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  Chartered Institute of Building

Conservation Areas

The statutory definition of a conservation area is “an area of special architectural interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. Put simply, it's the quality and interest of areas rather than individual buildings which is important.

There are many factors that contribute to the character of a conservation area such as the historic layout of property boundaries and thoroughfares, vistas along streets and between buildings & appropriate scaling and detailing of buildings.The aim of a conservation area is to ensure that the quality of townscape is preserved or enhanced as well as protecting individual buildings.

The Cotswolds has one of the highest concentrations of conservation areas in the country with over 80% of the region given this designation. The consequence of conservation area designation is not to preserve conservation areas in aspic but to support their vitality with appropriate development. New development must of course blend with its surroundings and compliment the area.

Householders have certain permitted development rights for carrying out development without the need to apply for planning permission. Permitted development rights in conservation areas are less extensive than in areas outside them.

Coxwell Street in Cirencester - An example of how a group of buildings form an attractive environment
 

In conservation areas such work as extensions, changes to the roof shape, cladding, building in the curtilage and satellite dishes might require permission. You are advised to check with the Local authority before carrying out any new development.

ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS

Some conservation areas have Article 4 Directions attached to them. These Directions further limit the type of development that can be undertaken without the need for planning permission. They are put in place to protect very special features such as natural stone walls or distinctive architectural details.

DEMOLITION

There are special controls over demolition in conservation areas and consent must be obtained before demolition takes place. This consent is called conservation area consent and applications are free. There is a general presumption in favour of retaining buildings that make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of a conservation area.

TREES

Trees are often very important to the character of conservation areas, either in groups or as single specimens. In order to give them some protection, anyone proposing to carry out any works to a tree that is in a conservation area must give written notice of at least 6 weeks to the Local Authority. There is a form available for this.

Phone: 01285 658565
E-mail: info@CoriniumAS.co.uk
Post: Corinium Architectural Services, Phoenix House, Phoenix Way, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 1QG
Ecohouse Consultancy Ltd Trading As Corinium Architectural Services
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