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.

Conservation Areas in East Lindsey

East Lindsey District Council has so far designated 17 Conservation Areas; Alford, Binbrook, Burgh Le Marsh, Horncastle, Hundleby, Louth, Raithby, Revesby, South Willingham, Spilsby, North Thoresby, Old Bolingbroke, Tattershall, Thimbleby, Wainfleet, Woodhall Spa and Wragby.

The District Local Plan also suggested a number of other settlements which may be considered for future designation. It is always worth checking if a property is in a Conservation Area.

The Effect of Conservation Area Designation

Designation as a Conservation Area does not commit an area, museum like, to a fixed point in time, but rather, it enthusiastically embraces change.

Probably the most important effect of designation is the greater emphasis placed on matters of design when planning new development. The District Council is required to pay “special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area” when considering planning applications. This does not mean that nothing will ever change, but rather that new development will respect the established character of the area. New buildings will usually be similar to the existing in design, materials and scale. Planning applications in Conservation Areas are also advertised more widely than normal, with a notice being displayed on site and in the local press.

In considering planning applications within Conservation Areas, the Council require more detailed drawings and information on the proposed development and will insist on full rather than outline applications.

When is Planning Permission Necessary?

Conservation Area designation does not impose many additional planning controls over and above those which apply in other areas. There are however some instances where permission may be required:

• Most extensions to properties in Conservation Areas will require permission.
• All roof dormers require planning permission on houses within Conservation Areas.
• Satellite Dishes require planning permission if they are to be mounted on a chimney, on an elevation fronting a highway, or on buildings which are more than 15 metres in height.
• Most external wall claddings require planning permission.

Another significant effect of designation is a degree of control over demolition. A special permission called ‘Conservation Area Consent’ is required for the complete demolition of most buildings, walls and fences.

Advertisement Consent is required for the display of many signs within a Conservation Area.

In certain cases where it is felt necessary to exercise a greater degree of control over minor items of work, the District Council can bring additional work under its control by taking area specific measures. These are known as Article 4 Directions. Horncastle, Louth, Wainfleet and Old Bolingbroke Conservation Areas currently have such directions in force, but others may be made in the future. You are advised to consult the District Council to check whether or not your area is so covered.

Trees in Conservation Areas

Trees can play an important role in the quality of an area and consequently trees within Conservation Areas receive protection. At least six weeks before you intend to carry out works to trees you should write to the District Council and inform it of your intentions. This will allow the Council time to consider making a Tree Preservation Order. You must not carry out any of the works in that six weeks without permission.

East Lindsey District Council and it's Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas are not designed simply to preserve the existing situation but also to encourage enhancement of the area. The District Council may periodically prepare and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas and implementing such proposals as resources permit. However, to be successful, the responsibility for protecting and improving the area must extend beyond the District Council to include all those living and working in the area.

The Benefits of living in a Conservation Areas

Conservation Area status brings with it protection for the existing architectural and historic interest of the area, the potential for enhancement, and the opportunity to conserve your local heritage. In addition, property values in a Conservation Area are often higher than those outside because of the additional care, thought and resources given to the area by residents and the local authority. Indeed, many house buyers now indicate living in a Conservation Area as being important to them.