Conservation areas

Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas are those parts of historic towns and villages in the district that the Council has recognised to be of special architectural or historic interest. The Council has a statutory duty to ensure that changes within these areas are not detrimental to their special character.

Every council has a statutory duty to review the conservation areas within its district. The appraisal of the Conservation Areas within West Wiltshire will include two parts:

1. An Assessment of the Boundaries

  • Recommendations for the designation of areas currently outside the conservation area boundaries, but that are considered to be of special architectural or historic interest.
  • Recommendations for the removal of areas which are no longer of special architectural or historic interest.

2. Conservation Area Character Assessments

Conservation Area Character Assessments provide an up to date appraisal of the distinct qualities of each conservation area from an historic and urban design perspective, to ensure that future developments are derived from an understanding of the character and appearance of each conservation area. Government requirements and guidance from English Heritage require that existing conservation area assessments should be reviewed every five years.

Conservation Area maps are also available for downloading from the Local Plan Adopted Version - click here to access an online map version of the Local Plan.

Protecting the Character of Conservation Areas

Once unsympathetic changes to buildings and streets have started to take place, the character of these historic places can very quickly be eroded. Consequently, there are a number of special controls and requirements that apply to Conservation Areas in order to protect their character, these are summarised as follows:

1. The Council is under a general duty to ensure the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas and to prepare proposals to that end, including proposals for:

the removal of all that harms the character (e.g. unsightly street furniture or landscaping vacant space);

the promotion of positive improvements (e.g. through the creation of policies or design briefs);

2. The Council or the Secretary of State may be able to take steps to ensure that a building in a conservation area is kept in good repair;

3. The Council should ensure that harmful change is not permitted, consequently, some changes that normally do not require planning permission (known as permitted development rights) are more restricted. Anyone wishing to undertake works is encouraged to contact the Council’s Development Control section to ensure that a planning application is not required.

4. Extra publicity is given to planning applications affecting conservation areas; and the Council is required to take account of whether the proposed development will preserve or enhance the character of the conservation area. See Policies C17 – C25 of the adopted West Wiltshire District Plan 1st Alteration 2004.

5. The demolition of unlisted buildings or structures such as walls come under planning control and may require Conservation Area Consent. The Council or the Secretary of State may take enforcement action or institute a criminal prosecution if consent is not obtained.

6. All proposals for works to trees within a conservation area must be referred to the Council’s Development Control section.

7. The display of advertisements may be more restricted.

Planning Applications in Conservation Areas

Planning permission may be required for development within Conservation Areas that is normally considered to be permitted development. In these circumstances standard planning applications will be required.

Where an application is required for demolition or for works to a listed building it is subject to either Listed Building Consent or Conservation Area Consent which differs from a standard planning application.

Click here to access a list of planning application forms.

For further advice on development proposals in conservation areas or development affecting Listed Buildings please contact Development Control and speak to the duty officer or the Heritage Development Officer through main reception Tel no: 01225 776655 Ext 109

Information available on Conservation Areas

Advice is available to property owners on the conservation and repair of historic buildings and the following leaflets are available from the District Council:

  • Conservation Strategy for the Historic Environment
  • Conservation Area Guidance: Care of Old Buildings
  • Home Improvement Checklist

For further advice on Conservation issues please contact the Conservation Officer - telephone 01225 776655 ext 123 or e-mail planningpolicy@westwiltshire.gov.uk

Grants for Conservation Areas

A new system of grants for historic buildings and areas has been adopted by the Council replacing the previous town schemes. Please use the Historic Building and Areas Grant page for further information.