WHAT IS A CONSERVATION AREA?

Each historic town or village has a distinctive character of its own. The particular identity of a place is the result of a fusion of landscape, building materials, building traditions and economic activity. The unmistakable local character gives people a sense of belonging and community. The conservation of historic areas is not about restrictions on personal liberty. It is concerned primarily with encouraging a local appreciation of the fabric, history and character of the area and above all of what makes it special.

East Lindsey District Council has a responsibility to identify areas with special architectural or historic interest which should be protected and improved. Places of such quality and character are designated by the Council as Conservation Areas.

Conservation Areas are intended not solely to protect individual buildings but to retain and develop the general character of the area. Building uses, materials, scale of buildings, street furniture, surfacing, spaces between buildings and traffic impact are strategic, area wide issues, which may be addressed by the Council or local amenity and residents groups.

But there is also a great deal that the owner of a property in a Conservation Area can do to respect the history of the place. This will often be particularly relevant when contemplating repairs or alterations to a building. Some works may need the specific consent of the Council, where they would not do outside the Conservation Area.