Planning Practice Note
Conservation Areas
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this Practice Note is to give information on the conservation areas of South Shropshire:
- The legal framework,
- A list of the conservation areas and details of where to obtain more information about them,
- Policies for conservation areas.
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Conservation areas are defined by section 69 of the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 as ''...areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance''. This is a strictly applied definition and should not be confused with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or other designated areas.
Conservation areas are designated by LPAs, usually after public consultation, although this is not a legal requirement.
The effect of conservation area status
The consequences of designation as a conservation area are as follows:
- The LPA is under a duty ''from time to time'' to publish and consult on proposals to preserve and enhance conservation area.
- In dealing with planning applications in conservation areas, the LPA is required to ''pay special attention'' to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area. This means that there is a higher standard of design required in conservation areas than elsewhere.
- Planning applications in conservation areas must be advertised as prescribed by Regulations.
- It is an offence to demolish a building or structure in a conservation area without the consent of the LPA. There are some exceptions - please ask before taking action.
- English Heritage has the power to make grants or loans for preservation or enhancement, although none are currently available.
- It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy a tree in a conservation area without having given 6 week''s notice to the LPA. There are some exceptions - please ask before taking action.
- Permitted development and the right to display advertisements are more limited than elsewhere
- Telecommunications operators have more onerous obligations placed on them.
CONSERVATION AREAS IN SOUTH SHROPSHIRE
There are 46 conservation areas in South Shropshire. These are listed below with their date of designation. The LPA has published Conservation Area Statements for most of them. These are available for a small charge.
All Stretton 2005,
Ashford Bowdler 1994,
Ashford Carbonell 1994,
Aston-on-Clun 1993,
Aston Munslow 1993,
Bedstone 1993,
Bishop''s Castle 1972, no statement,
Boraston 1994,
Bromfield 1993,
Bucknell 1994,
Cheney Longville 1982,
Chirbury 1994,
Church Stretton 1986,
Cleobury Mortimer 1972, no statement,
Clee St. Margaret 1994,
Clun 1986, (also VDS)
Clunbury 1994,
Clungunford 1994,
Clunton 1994,
Colebatch 1994,
Craven Arms 1994,
Culmington 1993,
Dhustone 1994,
Diddlebury 1993,
Edgton 1993,
Hope Bagot 1994,
Hopesay 1993,
Little Stretton 1986,
Ludlow 1970, no statement,
Ludlow (Galdeford) 1994,
Ludlow (Steventon) 1994,
Lydbury North 1994,
Minton 1994,
Munslow 1993,
Neen Sollars 1994,
Newton 1988,
Norbury 1994,
Onibury 1994, (also VDS)
Priestweston 1994,
Rushbury 1986,
Snailbeach 1983,
Stanton Lacy 1993,
Strefford 1990,
Tankerville 1995
The Grit and Ladywell 1995,
Ludlow (Gravel Hill) 2008.
Some conservation areas have Town or Village Design Statements (TVDS) (see BVPN 18)
CONSERVATION AREA POLICY
Policy for its conservation areas is determined by Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 15: Planning and the Historic Environment. There is insufficient space in this leaflet to set out the policy in full, but, in summary, it is as follows:
Designation of conservation areas
The LPA will consider designating new or extended conservation areas from time to time. Suggestions may be made to the Planning Policy Section. , Any proposed conservation areas, or changes to the boundaries of existing ones, will be the subject of public consultation.
Positive action in conservation areas
Where appropriate, and subject to the availability of resources, the LPA will participate in grant schemes. There are currently no Conservation Area Partnerships in progress.
The LPA has a Conservation Area Advisory Committee for Ludlow
Planning applications in conservation areas
The LPA is not normally able to entertain outline planning applications in conservation areas. This is because it cannot fulfil its statutory obligation to consider the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the conservation area without seeing the details.
Demolition control
The LPA does not normally permit buildings to be demolished in conservation areas except as an integral part of a scheme for a suitable replacement.
Design requirements
The requirements for the design of new buildings in conservation areas are stringent. Developers are asked to consult the Planning Department at an early stage in the design process.
Use of historic buildings
The LPA encourages full and viable uses for historic buildings in conservation areas to ensure their long-term future.
Shopfronts
The LPA promotes the retention of traditional shopfronts. Where replacements are necessary or desirable, great care must be taken in their design to ensure compatibility with the building and the street scene.
Upper floors
The LPA encourages the fullest possible use of accommodation above shops.
Advertisements and signs
Advertisements and signs in conservation areas must be designed to high standards and be made of materials that do not detract from the character or appearance of the area.
Street furniture and surfaces
The LPA promotes the retention of traditional street furniture and surfaces and will seek the suitable replacement of non-conforming street furniture and surfaces.
Satellite antennas
Not all satellite antennas in conservation areas need planning permission. , However, the LPA tries to ensure that satellite antennas in conservation areas are carefully sited so as not to detract from the appearance of the area.
Article 4 Directions
The LPA has the power to ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to make directions that restrict Permitted Development Rights. If appropriate the Council will apply to the Secretary of State for Article 4 Directions to control works to unlisted buildings in conservation areas.
CONTACTS
Planning Policy Section Tel: (01584) 813337
Conservation Officer Tel: (01584) 813355
Planning ,Support Tel: (01584) 813000
© Copyright South Shropshire District Council,
Stone House, Corve Street,
Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1DG.
Tel: (01584) 813000
Fax: (01584) 813128
e-mail: planning@southshropshire.gov.uk
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Subscribe to changes to this page here.Author: Planning and Building Control. Last Updated: 27/5/2008.
