WHAT IS A CONSERVATION AREA?

Defined in section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990 as an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Many different kinds of areas are covered by this definition. They may be large or small and they will often be centered on Listed Buildings, on groups of fine buildings, terraces of townscape quality, attractive squares and open spaces, trees, an historic street pattern or ancient monuments.