Conservation areas

Central Government imposes a duty on the Council to create a conservation Area in any area "of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".

Hence, it is the quality and interest of the area, rather than individual buildings, which the Council is required to identify and suggest means where by conservation is encouraged.

There are seven conservation areas in the Borough.

A Conservation Area leaflet is available to download ( page 1 & page 2). Copies are also from Darby House reception.

Government performance indicators BV 219b and 219c requires a regular review of all Conservation Area Appraisals and the creation and regular review of Conservation Area Management Plans. This review is to take place on a 5 year rolling program for all 7 of Telford and Wrekin Conservation Areas.

A management plan has been successfully adopted for Severn Gorge Conservation Area, which is also a World Heritage Site Severn Gorge.

Work has also been carried out on the preparation of a management Plan for Wellington Conservation Area. The Council has carried out a public consultation on a draft version, Wellington. and is now considering the comments that have been made.

It is intended that a revised version will be approved in March.

A clear and concise character appraisal of the Conservation Areas also is a requirement to provide a sound basis for their designation and management. Retrospective appraisals have been carried out for Severn Gorge Wellington, High Ercall & Edgmond

In light of this work, the Council is considering changes to the boundary of both Wellington and High Ercall Conservation Areas. This will be the subject of further public consultation.

Further information on the management of conservation areas can be obtained from the English Heritage web site. As well as these existing areas, we continue to research and identify other potential conservation areas.

Within a conservation area, the Council has extra controls over the following:

• Demolition

To demolish a building, or even parts of it, needs conservation area consent.. Guidance and application forms can be obtained. See Planning forms and notes. There are no fees for this application and there is a right of appeal against refusal.

• Minor work

In a conservation area, you sometimes need planning permission for building works, which would normally be permitted elsewhere. It is advisable to check with Planning Control before starting work if your property is within a conservation area. Guidance and application forms can be obtained from Planning forms and notes. There are no fees for this application and there is a right of appeal against refusal. There are also stricter controls over adverts.

Within the Severn Gorge Conservation Area, we have introduced even tighter controls through the making an Article 4 Direction. Separate leaflets are available which explains these additional controls.

• Trees

Within Conservation Areas, anyone proposing to cut down, top or lop any tree, whether or not it is covered by a tree preservation order, has to give six weeks prior notice to the Council. See trees & hedges It is always advisable to check if consent is required before starting any work. Contact the Council's Conservation officer on 01952 384189 or email Urban Form and conservation.

However, the benefits will be considerable:-

• The character of these areas generally improves property values. Keeping and enhancing building features makes the area special and property values can only benefit.
• Most properties have a quality of detailing which cannot easily be replicated in modern development.
• Maintaining properties within a conservation area ensures that the attractiveness of the area in which you live will be maintained
• Owning an historic building can stimulate your interest in the local history of the area.