Conservation

Introduction

There has been an increasing awareness in recent years regarding the conservation and preservation of our historic environment.   Many buildings and structures from the past are to be valued and protected as a record of our cultural heritage.  Their presence can add to the quality of our lives, by enhancing the local scene and sustaining the sense of local distinctiveness which is an important factor in the character and appearance of our towns, villages and countryside.  The Borough Council is committed to the concept of sustainable development with particular relevance to the preservation of the historic environment, which is susceptible to the threat by the nature and scale of modern building work, and is irreplaceable.

Conservation is part of the Council's Regulatory Services Team, which includes Development Control, Building Control, Environmental Health, Planning Enforcement and Licensing. A guide to the work of the Regulatory Services Team can be downloaded here.

The Council provides a number of Conservation services. Its statutory duties are to determine applications for Listed Building and Conservation Area consent. In addition, it is also responsible for :-

• the designation of Conservation Areas;
• preparation of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans:
• the provision of discretionary grant aid towards the cost of repairs to Listed Buildings;
• the implementation of Tree Preservation Orders;

Development Control - to access information about specific applications, forms on which to apply and guidance notes.

Conservation Areas - background information about the Conservation Areas in the Borough that have been designated to date and what this means for development proposals. includes access to current Conservation Area Appraisals.

Conservation Advice - access to leaflets advising about works to historic buildings and to arrange for advice for a project.

Tree Preservation Orders - advice about their purpose, their controls and access to the TPO database.