Conservation areas

Local Authorities have the power and a duty to 'seek out and designate areas of special architectural interest'.  Since the early 1970's there have been over 150 designations in Nottinghamshire, including the city of Nottingham.  This represents over half of the county's historic places.

A conservation area is very often the focus and core of the settlement be it a small rural village or the center of a market town or city.  There are also conservation areas designated for more recently developed parts of settlements, such as planned suburban villa developments of the Victorian period, like The Park in Nottingham.

The conservation area designation protects the buildings within from demolition without special consent. This is administrated by the local planning authority and also covers certain 'permitted development rights' which are automatically removed in a conservation area.  This includes things like the erection of fencing adjacent to the highway and the location of satellite dishes.  

All of the Local Planning Authorities have maps of their conservation areas which should be consulted by property owners.  If in doubt it is essential that property owners also check whether their intended work requires express permission from the local planning authority.

When making a decision on applications in conservation areas the local authority will consider whether the proposals will 'protect or enhance the character of the conservation area' (in accordance with Planning Policy Guidance 15).  Permission will only be granted if the character of the conservation area will not be harmed.

The County Council was involved in many of the original Conservation Area designations and has policies in place that support the protection and enhancement of their character.  The County Council is also working closely with Local Planning Authorities to undertake Conservation Area Appraisals of all the designated areas in Nottinghamshire.  These documents will identify the important elements of the conservation areas' character and put forward strategies for the management of these important places.

If you would like more information on Conservation Areas within Nottinghamshire please contact us.