Conservation areas

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Frequently asked questions

1. What are conservation areas?
2. How can I find out if my property is in a conservation area?
3. How might designation affect me?
4. Are there any controls over demolition?
5. Are there any controls over minor alterations?
6. Are there any controls over works to trees?
7. How are planning applications dealt with in conservation areas?
8. What are conservation area appraisals & management plans?
9. How will conservation areas be managed?

1. What are conservation areas ?

The statutory definition of a conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. The majority of the conservation areas in Wiltshire consist of the historic parts of our towns and villages, but some include other special landscapes can also be designated, such as the canal corridor at Wilcot.

Conservation areas usually have a concentration of historic buildings, many of which are listed, but even in the most built-up areas their character and attraction will comprise more than the individual buildings and structures alone. It is important to recognise the whole environment - which will also encompass the uses they are put to and the spaces around them. Careful and sensitive action by a large variety of owners and agencies is therefore required if the distinctive local character or the spirit of the place is to be protected from harm and positively reinforced by change. The central consideration in designating a conservation area is primarily the relationship between buildings, and the spaces between them, rather than the individual buildings. An historic street pattern, a village green, archaeological features, along with walls, railings, paving, street furniture and trees and hedges can all be important to the place’s character.

The council has a statutory duty under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to designate and manage conservation areas.

At the time of writing Wiltshire has in excess of 225 conservation areas have been designated in the county, usually after public demand or when local development plans have been reviewed. Public opinion has been generally proved to be in favour of protecting the familiar and valued local scene. These designations have been successful in giving confidence to residents and property owners who can see that the importance of the locality is widely recognised. Development controls aimed at maintaining the character of the conservation area will often help to sustain or enhance the value of property within it and lead to long-term certainty that encourages investment in the maintenance of properties. The high number of conservation areas reflects the importance of the county’s heritage, much of which is recognised at national and international levels.

2. How can I find out if my property is in a conservation area?

You can check if your property is in a conservation area using our online mapping system and local plan maps or alternatively by contacting the council at the addresses noted on the left.

3. How might designation affect me?

Planning controls are more restrictive within conservation areas. This means that it may be necessary to apply for planning permission for some building works that would in normal cases be considered as permitted development. This includes restrictions on the following items:

• the size of some extensions and garden buildings
• additions & alterations to roofs, including dormers
• cladding the outside of buildings
• satellite dishes in prominent positions
• most hoardings
• illuminated advertisements

The exact rules, however, are complicated and it is therefore always best to seek detailed advice from the council's Planning Services section.

4. Are there any controls over demolition?

Conservation Area Consent will be required to demolish most buildings and parts of some structures such as boundary walls. There are some exceptions, so again it is best to seek detailed advice from the Council before commencing demolition, even where the intention may be to rebuild with a replica of the existing structure. Application forms for conservation area consent are available from the Council’s Development Control section. Please note: that demolition, where consent is required and has not been obtained, is a criminal offence and liable to prosecution.

5. Are there any controls over minor alterations?

It should also be noted that well meant small ‘improvements’, such as replacement windows or stained hardwood doors, which may not require formal approval in the case of unlisted domestic buildings, can easily spoil the character of an historic street. Where unlisted buildings play a critical role in defining the character of a conservation area the council will consider making an Article 4(2) Direction, which will have the effect of bringing some forms of ‘permitted development’ under planning control. It is always worth checking whether consent is required with the council’s Development Control or Conservation Sections.

6. Are there any controls over works to trees?

Yes, additional regulations apply to most trees growing within conservation areas. Anyone who wants to fell or prune the roots or branches of a tree, or carry out other work which might damage a tree in a conservation area must inform the council at least six weeks in advance. This is to give the council time to inspect the tree, consult the Town or Parish Council, and if necessary to consider serving a Tree Preservation Order. Nore information can be found in our trees and hedges section.

7. How are planning applications dealt with in conservation areas?

Government legislation, reinforced by Planning Policy Guidance & Statements, requires local authorities to give "special attention" to conservation areas and their enhancement. The council will therefore apply special criteria when assessing planning applications in such areas.

All planning applications affecting conservation areas will be advertised so that the local community can comment on new development applications. Where large-scale development is proposed a wide range of consultations will be undertaken including notification of English Heritage.

In all but the simplest cases the council will require applications to be accompanied by detailed drawings of the development and outline planning applications will not normally be accepted. It is important that applications show how proposed works relate to neighbouring buildings, so that the council can judge how proposals will appear alongside the main features of the existing environment.

Whilst in many of the village conservation areas only minimal amounts of new building may be envisaged it will rarely be the aim to prevent all change. Rather, the intention is to control and manage it to preserve what is special about the particular area and, where possible, to improve it. Proposals for new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings and changes of use will, however, be given very careful consideration and will be expected to meet a high standard of design. The general objective will be to ensure that any proposed change to an area reinforces its established character and appearance.

The council will also have regard to any published Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Proposals for the locality.

8. What are conservation area appraisals & management plans?

These are prepared and kept up to date by the council in consultation with local communities. Their intention is to provide a clear definition and record of an area’s special architectural or historic interest. They set out how the area or place has evolved and identify the key features and elements of its character that have helped to justify its designation as a conservation area.

The definition of an area’s ‘specialness’ provided by the appraisals is important for providing a sound basis, defensible on appeal, for local policies and development control decisions and also in helping to reduce uncertainty for owners and others when investment or development in the area is being considered.

Copies of the council’s Conservation Area Appraisals are available to view and at the council offices. Hard copies can be purchased by contacting the address on the left.

The Chippenham conservation area management plan was adopted in April 2010.

• Download the Chippenham conservation area management plan 5.7mb

The Malmesbury Conservation Management Plan and associated Malmesbury Conservation Area Apprisal were adopted in February 2010.

• Download the Malmesbury conservation area management plan 5.3mb
• Download the Malmesbury conservation area appraisal Malmesbury conservation area appraisal 5mb

The Milford Hill Conservation Managment Plan

• Dowload the Millford Hill conservation area management plan 4.0mb  

9. How will conservation areas be managed?

Conservation area designation requires that the planning authority should pay special attention, in the exercise of its planning function, to the desirability of preserving and enhancing the character and appearance of the conservation area.

The council is also required to draw up and review Management Proposals for conservation areas. These will be based on the understanding of the area and the value of its special features gained during the formulation of the conservation area appraisals which should allow the development of a robust policy framework for their future management.

In the majority of conservation areas within the county, the preferred policy of conservation will lie with the preservation of the established ‘status quo’ rather than definite proposals for change but, in any case, it would probably be unrealistic to expect significant dedicated funding to be available for enhancement projects in the future. Where change does occur, therefore, the intention will be to provide a framework to allow this to be monitored effectively and managed in a positive way to reinforce the existing character and appearance of the area. Proposals might include, for example, the use of existing powers (such as those allowing the council to take enforcement action, to require the repair of listed buildings, or to impose Article 4 directions increasing planning controls for specific issues where these would assist) and encouragement for the sympathetic redevelopment of sites which currently detract from the character or appearance of the area.

For further information regarding designation and management of conservation area please contact your local area hub:

Related links

• Planning Portal "Buy a Plan"

Last updated: 29 February 2012