Conservation Areas

What is a Conservation Area?

A Conservation Area is defined as: 'an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. - Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Taunton Deane has 42 Conservation Areas which have been designated to cover the most historically and architecturally important and interesting parts of the Borough's towns and villages.

Various factors contribute to the special character of a Conservation Area. These include: the quality of buildings, the historic layout of roads, paths and boundaries, boundary treatments and patterns of enclosure, characteristic building and paving materials, uses and associations, the quality of the public realm and contribution made by trees and green spaces. A strong 'sense of place' is often associated with Conservation Areas. It is the function of Conservation Area Appraisals to assess and evaluate 'character' as a means of assiting the planning process.

Owning and Developing Land and Property within a Conservation Area

In order to assist in the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas various additional planning controls exist within them:

• Unlisted buildings and structures are protected from substantial works of demolition. Works of demolition affecting unlisted properties will require Conservation Area Consent. Substantial works of demolition will not normally be looked upon favourably where affected buildings or structures are deemed to make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area.  An approved scheme for redevelopment will normally be required before consent to demolish will be granted. Exceptions to the rule include:
  
  • Small buildings of less than 115 cubic metres. 
  • Walls, fences and railings less than one metre high abutting to highway (including footpaths and bridleways) or less than two metres elsewhere.
  • Agricultural and forestry buildings erected since 1914.
  • Certain buildings used for industry.

Please note: Where demolition is being considered early consultation with local Planning and Conservation Officers should be sought. It is a criminal offence to carry out unauthorised works.

• Within a Conservation Area permitted development rights are subject to some restriction.  Planning Permission will be required for:
  
  • Insertion of a dormer window or other alteration to the roof.
  • Positioning of a satellite dish or antennae in certain locations.
  • Application of external stone, artificial stone, plastic or timber cladding.
  • Erection of an extension exceeding 50 cubic metres volume or 10% of the existing volume (whichever is greater).
  • Erection of a building exceeding 10 cubic metres volume within the curtilage of a proper

Further restrictions may be applied by the Local Authority or Secretary of State through use of Article 4 where a good case can be made.

• High standards of design are expected for new development within Conservation Areas.  Sensitive proposals which pay special regard to prevailing patterns of height, massing, articulation, use of materials and enclosure will be encouraged. Early consultation should be sought with local Planning and Conservation Officers.
  
  
• Various types of advertisement including those which are illuminated will require Advertisement Consent. Advertisements must be sympathetic to the character and appearance of the area.
  
  
• All trees and shrubs with branches 75mm or more in diameter at 1.2 metres above ground level are protected from felling, lopping and pruning. Six weeks' written notice must be provided to the Borough Council's Arboricultural Officer in each instance during which time a Tree Preservation Order may be served.

Further advice and guidance can be obtained by contacting one of the Council's Planning, Conservation or Aboricultural Officers on 01823 356356.

Taunton Deane area review

Planning

Listed Buildings