Conservation
There are 35 conservation areas and about 3500 listed buildings in the District. These have been defined for their architectural and historical importance. One of the Conservation Officer's most important functions is to provide early advice to persons wishing to submit applications that affect listed buildings or conservation areas. Seeking advice at an early stage may save you time and money and provide a satisfactory solution to design problems that are frequently difficult to resolve. Our Conservation Officer can be contacted on 01799 510462 and we have a pre application advice system.
Conservation areas are shown on our interactive maps. Our policy on design of development within a conservation area is policy ENV1 the full text of which can be viewed in our Local Plans and Local Development Frame Work Section.
The design of buildings and extensions, either affecting listed buildings or located in conservation areas, needs to be of a particularly high standard, usually incorporating traditional materials and building forms and in scale and harmony with nearby properties. The Council will nearly always require the retention or replacement of traditional materials such as thatched roofs or flint walls.
Conservation Area Consent is required for demolition of unlisted buildings or substantial part(s) of a building within Conservation Areas. It is not required for the construction or alterations of properties within conservation areas or for the following demolition proposals:
- Demolition of a building with a volume not exceeding 115 cubic metres
- Demolition of a wall less than 1 metre high fronting a highway, waterway or open space
- Demolition of a wall less than 2 metres high in any other case
- Demolition of agricultural buildings constructed since 1st January 1914
It is an offence in law to carry out unauthorised demolition of a building in a conservation area.
The Council's policy on development affecting listed buildings is Policy ENV2 the full text of which can be viewed which can be viewed in our Local Plans and Local Development Frame Work Section. Demolition of listed buildings will not be permitted. Unlisted buildings in conservation areas need permission to be demolished.
Fully detailed applications for development in conservation areas are required so that the Council can properly consider the likely impact of the proposed development in such sensitive locations.
The conversion of listed barns will only be permitted when the barn is in sound condition and worthy of retention. The basic structure and characteristics need to be protected and conversion will not normally be granted for the subdivision of a barn. Substantial reconstructions or extensions will not be permitted. Full details of the proposed work will be required at the time the application is submitted.
Planning Applications involving Listed Building or in conservation areas always need to be submitted with a Design and access Statement. It is important to check our guidance on supporting documents and the appropriate check lists to ensure the all the correct information and details are submitted with applications.
Listed buildings that fall into disrepair may be included on the Council's 'Buildings at Risk Register' which is publicly available for inspection. The Council may also initiate repair works to such buildings in certain circumstances and recover the cost from the owner.