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Conservation Areas

Conservation areas are designated by local planning authorities as areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.  They may vary in character, form and size from a small group of buildings to a major part of a town, but their designation means that they are all worthy of protection as areas of special merit. They usually contain buildings which are 'listed' but this is not a prerequisite of designation. Ashford has 43 conservation areas, a list of which can be found below.

What does Designation mean?

Development in conservation areas is more strictly controlled than elsewhere, the intention being not to prevent change but to ensure that the main features of the area are conserved and that new development respects local character. The designation of a conservation area is a means of controlling the demolition of unlisted buildings and managing certain alterations to residential properties which would normally be 'permitted development', for example, planning permission is required when any of the following are proposed:

 

This list is not definitive, so if you are in any doubt whether or not you need planning permission, please contact the Council before starting work. Buildings in non-residential uses (such as shops and offices), and buildings in multiple occupation (such as flats or bedsits), are covered by separate legislation and have fewer 'permitted development' rights than houses which are occupied by a single family.

Demolition in Conservation Areas

Conservation Area Consent is required for the total or substantial demolition of any building with a total cubic content in excess of 115 cubic metres in a conservation area. Consent is also required for the total or substantial demolition of a boundary wall over one metre high adjoining a highway or over two metres elsewhere. View our Apply for Planning Permission webpage to apply for consent.

Trees

Trees contribute greatly to the character and appearance of conservation areas, and designation provides a general protection for all trees over a certain size within the area. Some trees may already be protected by a specific Tree Preservation Order but for all others you must give the Council six weeks written notice before lopping or felling them. For more information, view our Trees section.

Article 4 Directions

The character of a conservation area can easily be spoilt by well-intentioned alterations to properties, such as the insertion of plastic windows.  Such changes can result in a gradual loss of the special, historic details which contribute so much to the attractiveness of each area. To control unsympathetic alterations to unlisted dwellings within conservation areas, the Council may decide to serve an Article 4(2) Direction, removing certain permitted development rights to these properties. The Direction can cover alterations to roofs (including chimneys and materials), front elevations (including porches, extensions, windows and doors), and front gardens (including vehicular hardstandings, walls, gates and fences). At present there are Directions on Queens Road, Ashford and The Terrace, Little Chart.

Conservation Areas in Ashford Borough

 

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This webpage was updated on 3/10/2008

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