Conservation Area Character Appraisals

Conservation Areas are 'areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance' (Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act, 1990.) 

Councils are advised to review their conservation areas from time to time and to ensure that they have up to date character appraisals which set out their special interest and provide the basis for development control and enhancement proposals. 

All the Borough's fourteen conservation areas are being reviewed in order to produce up to date character appraisals. Other areas which might be suitable for designation are also being assessed. In each case the character appraisal will:  

• Identify the area's special interest
• review conservation area boundaries
• assess the need for enhancement proposals
• review the need for Article 4 Direction controls
• assist preparation of the Local Development Document which will replace the current Borough Local Plan
• provide a basis for implementing policies and making informed development control decisions
• guide any future highway proposals in the area.

For further information please see our related downloads section on the right-hand side of this page.