Management of a conservation area

Once an area has been designated as a conservation area, we need to develop policies which clearly identify what features of the area should be preserved or enhanced, and set out how this can be done.

Character appraisals help to provide a clear assessment and definition of an area's special interest and the action needed to preserve it. They also help to generate awareness and encourage property owners to take the right sort of action for themselves. Appraisals also help in the review of the boundaries and identify areas where enhancement may be desirable.

• Find out more about Conservation Areas Character Appraisals  

Management plans

Building conservation area policies into wider development plans is the best means of integrating conservation policies with plans for the area, such as shopping and traffic management.

Once policies for a particular area have been agreed, local residents and businesses should be made fully aware of why the area has been designated and how they can protect its character and appearance.