Why are they called conservation areas?
As a local authority we have the power to call any area of
'special architectural or historic interest' a conservation area
when it is judged that the character or appearance of the area is
worth protecting or enhancing. This 'specialness' is judged
against local and regional criteria, rather than national
importance as is the case with listed buildings.
The residents and businesses in a conservation area all have an
important part to play in preserving and enhancing those special
characteristics. Carefully designed new buildings and extensions,
sensitive proposals for new signage and shop fronts and the
appropriate reuse of existing buildings can all make a positive
contribution to the character. Insensitive development can
irreparably damage the special character that we are.