What is a conservation area?
A conservation area is described in law as :'an
area of special architectural or historic interest, the character
or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance' as
defined in the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation
Areas) Act 1990. Many historic towns and villages
have a special character. The historic layout of roads, paths
and boundaries; characteristic building and paving materials; a
particular 'mix' of building uses; public and private spaces, such
as gardens, parks and greens; and trees and street furniture, which
contribute to particular views - all these and more make up the
familiar local scene.
When an area is classed as a conservation area it has more
protection than listing individual buildings: all the features,
listed or otherwise, within the area, are recognised as being part
of its character. The local materials and traditional techniques
that were used in the construction of historic buildings contribute
to make the areas special character distinctive and individual.