Conservation Areas

Following concerns that the special qualities of areas were being lost by post-war development, the 1967 Civic Amenities Act introduced the concept of a 'Conservation Area'. Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 gives local authorities the power to designate a Conservation Area within their local planning area.

Whilst listing procedures are focused on the protection of individual buildings, Conservation Area designation is the main instrument available to authorities to give effect to conservation policies for a particular area. Designation introduces a general control over the demolition of unlisted buildings and certain minor works to residential buildings and provides the basis for policies designed to preserve or enhance all the aspects of character or appearance that define an areas special interest.

Conservation Areas are designated in recognition of the importance of both the buildings, (individual and groups) together with the relationship of the spaces, within a specific area. History, architecture, landscape, layout of public and private spaces, parks and gardens, greens, trees, historic street furniture and historic street paving can all be recognised as important within the framework of a Conservation Area.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals

In order to justify why an area is considered special Central Government, via their advisory body, English Heritage, has produced a policy statement called 'Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals' published in 2006 which can be found on the English Hertiage Website under 'free publications'. To visit the English Hertiage Webpage please use this link: English Heritage Website.

Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals recommends that local authorities should undertake Conservation Area Character Appraisals for both new and existing conservation areas and these should include

• A Summary of the characteristics which comprise the Special Interest
• Context
• Archaeology
• Origins and Historic Development
• Architectural and Historic quality
• Landscape Setting and Green Spaces
• A Spatial Analysis
• Character of the Area
• Negative Factors
• General Condition of The Area
• Problems, Pressures and capacity for Change
• Planning Policy Context
• A Review of the Conservation Area Boundary

These Appraisals are a useful tool for identifying important qualities within an area that should be preserved or enhanced, and can be used by residents, potential developers and the District Council, who can use the Appraisal to guide development and design in a particular area. We have a programme in place for undertaking comprehensive Character Appraisals for its 33 Conservation Areas. Where comprehensive Conservation Area Character Appraisals have been approved, these are available to be viewed via the relevant Conservation Area web-links. Where no Conservation Area Character Appraisal is available, the Appraisal is pending.

Grant Funding in Conservation Areas

Partnership Schemes in a Conservation Area (operating in Cromford only)

This grant scheme which is administered by Derbyshire County Council, can benefit both residential and commercial properties in Cromford Conservation Area and provides grant aid (funds permitting) of between 40 per cent and 60 per cent for repairs to buildings and 80 per cent for environmental schemes. For further information please contact Derbyshire County Council (Conservation and Design Team) on 01629 580000. The scheme will continue until March 2012.

Policies in Conservation Areas

• National Planning Policy Statement:5 "Planning for the Historic Environment (2010)" provides a policy framework for Conservation Areas.

• Historic Environment Practice Guide (2010) provides practical advice and guidance to the PPS:5

• Derbyshire Dales Local Plan (2005), include policies relating to the control of development within a Conservation Area and adjacent to a Conservation Area boundary.

These policies are used in the determination of planning applications in Conservation Areas.

We have also adopted two, relevant, Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).

• ‘The Conversion of Farm Buildings’ (2005) 

• ‘Shopfronts & Commercial Properties’ (2006)

What can the council do in a Conservation Area?

The District Council can

• Encourage and ensure that proposed new design harmonises with the buildings and the surrounding area
• Prepare development or design briefs for sites in Conservation Areas
• Exercise certain controls over buildings / structures in a Conservation Area by the introduction of an Article 4 Direction
• Exercise certain controls over advertisements and shop signage (including, where considered applicable, the introduction of Areas of Special Advertisement Control*)
• Endeavour that traffic control measures are not at odds with the character of the area
• Consider enhancement schemes and look to environmental improvements

*Area of Special Advertisement Control
A large number of properties and land within, and around, the Matlock Bath Conservation Area are designated as an Area of Special Advertisement Control. This imposes additional controls on advertisements and signage. Prior to installing any new advertisement or signage you should contact Planning & Development Services who will be able to explain these additional controls and whether or not they relate to your property/land.