About conservation areas
Conservation areas were first introduced by the Civic Amenities Act 1967, which gives local councils the power to designate areas which people generally feel have a special character worth protecting or enhancing. They depend on much more than the quality of individual buildings, and take into account features such as building layout, open spaces, boundaries, thoroughfares, the mix of uses, use of materials and street furniture. It is also common for a conservation area to include a number of listed buildings.
The designation of a conservation area by the council introduces additional planning procedures that are intended to make sure that any alterations do not detract from an area's character and appearance. The designation of a conservation area aims to guide not prevent change.
In order to provide a clear and sound understanding of a conservation area's special interest and how best to manage potential change, the council is preparing detailed appraisals and management plans.