The local planning authorities which are controlled by councils are responsible for designating certain part of the country as Conservation Areas. These are places where additional planning controls and restrictions are in place. They protect certain features of the area which make them unique and special. Such areas include historic town centres, entire villages and individual streets.
Historic England provides a wide range of information on such areas, stating that 2.2% of England is a Conservation Area, with over 10,000 areas in total. Around 59% are in rural areas. Every local planning authority has at least one formal area, while most councils are responsible for many.
Whereas Listed Building Consent applies to individual buildings, Conservation Areas Consent extends a lot further taking in the wider built and natural environment including trees, hard and soft landscaping, views and settings, as well as building facias such as gutters, downpipes and windows.
While individual buildings may be protected via the listing process, when there are a cluster of them, they can play an important role in the historic character of an area and its heritage.
At Plande, we have experience of working in such areas. We are adept at obtaining Conservation Area Consent in both urban and rural areas.
Contact us to discuss your requirements.