Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

The built environment within the UK is rich in history and heritage and many developments will directly or indirectly affect buildings, street layouts and/or open spaces which contribute to the character and appearance of a Conservation Area.  Once these features are lost they cannot be reintroduced and therefore the planning system affords significant weight to their protection and enhancement.   The Practice has the necessary expertise to advise its clients on heritage issues, including the alteration and extension of listed buildings and the development and demolition of buildings within Conservation Areas.

Planning Policy Statement 5 ‘Planning and the Historic Environment’ has recently been released and provides the framework for assessing planning applications which affect the historic environment.  Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas are afforded obvious protection through the planning process, however, any building can be considered as a ‘Heritage Asset’.  The Practice can identify Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas using online databases and also highlight potential Heritage Assets when undertaking site visits.  This ensures potential conflicts can be identified and schemes designed to preserve and enhance such historic features.

The mainstay of heritage planning policy is found at Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 which promotes the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings.  Development within these areas is not prevented; however it must be closely monitored and managed to ensure acceptable and sympathetic development comes forward.

Should you be developing within a Conservation Area or Listed Building, the Practice has the relevant experience to discuss the best way forward to overcome the relevant restrictions and legislation.