Conservation Areas

Conservation areas are defined as 'areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance', a wide definition that has generated a healthy variety of conservation areas reflecting many diffferent values and qualities, with currently around 9,100 designated in England, 500 in Wales and more that 600 in Scotland. Parallelled in most other European countries, eg. by zones proteges in France and ensemble schutz in Germany, they are based on the universal recognition that built up areas contribute cumulatively to our heritage.

By defining the distinctive local character and interest of the much loved local scene, conservation area character appraisals can help to preserve and enhance the uniqueness of places, reducing excessive signage, street clutter and traffic, and influencing the provision of suitable shop signs, street lighting, seating, railings and other public realm improvements. They can ensure that historic buildings and area regeneration grants are properly targetted and local residents are better informed about their locality. They can encourage sympathetic approaches to development and provide pointers for new designs, attracting grants and investment, stimulating economic regeneration, raising property values, encouraging tourism, preventing unneighbourly alterations and stimulating the revival of traditional trades, saving residents money, eg. through the repair, rather than replacement of features such as doors and windows.

We are committed to the concept of conservation areas, based on researched analysis of their character and appearance, and have developed researched methodologies and checklists for assessing their special qualities, consistent with the latest good practice guidance. We enjoy working closely with conservation officers, tailoring our approach to their particular requirements and have provided formal in-house training for planning officers and others. Our aim in carrying out conservation ara appraisals is always to ease the burden of conservation area management by a clear, concise and practical approach that is easily accessible to busy officers and represents best value for authorities and the public.

To view examples of some of the areas we have reported on, click on the links below. If you would like us to contact you to discuss a particular area or areas, please contact us.

Towns and cities	Villages and settlements

Back | Dwellings | Work/leisure | Churches | Ruins | Monuments | Interior Design | Conservation areas | Condition reports | Research and Education | Access Consultancy | Contact