What is a conservation area?
A conservation area is an 'area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'.
There are 11 conservation areas in South Tyneside. They are:
- Cleadon conservation area
- Cleadon Hills conservation area
- East Boldon conservation area
- Hebburn Hall conservation area
- Mariners' Cottages conservation area
- Mill Dam conservation area
- Monkton conservation area
- St Paul's conservation area
- West Boldon conservation area
- Westoe conservation area
- Whitburn conservation area
Conservation areas are very much part the familiar and cherished local scene and can vary considerably in terms of their special qualities, character and appearance. Conservation areas are predominantly of local value although in some instances they are of regional and national significance. It is the whole area rather than individual buildings that is of special interest.
South Tyneside Council has a statutory duty to designate conservation areas under the 1990 Planning (listed buildings and conservation areas) Act. Conservation area designation is a means of recognising the importance of the quality and interest of the area as a whole.
While buildings, both listed and unlisted, make a large contribution to an area’s distinctive character or appearance and usually form the basis of a conservation area, designation recognises that buildings do not exist in isolation but are part of a wider environment.
The historic layout of roads and paths, characteristic building and paving materials, public and private spaces, greens and trees, and the different uses of the buildings all contribute to the quality and appearance of a historic area.
South Tyneside Council designates conservation areas to preserve and enhance their character and appearance, and to manage change within those areas to ensure that what is special to the area is not lost.