CONSERVATION
AREAS
B A C K GRO U ND
The concept of conservation areas was initiated in 1967 through the Civic Amenities
Act, which placed a duty on Local Planning Authority to designate areas of special
architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to
preserve or enhance. This typically led to the designation of conservation areas in
many of our older towns and villages.
In Sheffield there are 39 conservation areas within the City boundary, 3 of which are
within the Peak Park. There is a great variety ranging from small rural hamlets,
Victorian suburbs, commercial areas, cemeteries, parks and industrial areas
associated with the metal trades. All of these conservation areas add to the rich
heritage of the City.
W H AT I S A C O NS E RV AT I O N AR E A
A conservation area is based on the quality and interest of an area rather than that of
individual buildings. This would include the historic layout of property boundaries and
streets which indicate the origins and growth of settlements or characteristic materials
and landscaping. Conservation areas can include a mix of buildings of different ages
and uses all which contribute to the character. It can also include open spaces and
landscaping which form the setting and affect views of a conservation area.
Like any area, in order for a conservation area to function it must be allowed to evolve
in order to meet changing demands and commercial pressures.
Through the introduction of policies, change can be managed without undermining the
character of the conservation area, which is its key asset. New modern buildings,
innovative in design and quality can themselves add value to the streetscape and the
conservation area.
CO N S E RV AT I O N AR E A AP P R AI S ALS
Defining what contributes to the character of the conservation area is essential as a
basis for the sensitive management of change. Each conservation area has qualities
that make it distinct from any other area. For example, this may relate to the building
materials, density, scale, relationship of buildings and spaces, landscape including
setting and views and prevailing uses. Appreciating and understanding the qualities of
a conservation area helps to instil a sense of pride and interest within the local
community.
The document used for identifying this character is a Conservation Area Appraisal. In
addition to identifying what makes the area special, issues relevant to the conservation
area can also be highlighted in the appraisal. The designation of a conservation area
does not itself provide complete protection to the character of an area - for example,
the intrusion of modern materials for windows and roofs, the loss of gardens to parking
or the negative impacts of commercial pressure can all affect the character, but are not
generally subject to planning control.
With the support of the local community, policies can be introduced to control these
types of works and protect the heritage value of the area. In appropriate
circumstances the appraisal document can contain proposals for the enhancement of
conservation and design guidelines to ensure new development is sympathetically
designed.
CO N S E RV AT I O N AR E A M AN AG E M E NT P L AN S
Conservation Area Management Plans are strategies for each conservation area
which contain proposals to address the issues and recommendations for action arising
from the appraisals. The appraisals have assessed the special interest of each area,
and identified specific and general issues affecting the character of the areas. The
recommendations in the management plans include proposals for enhancement and
policies for the avoidance of harmful change in each conservation area.
P O LI C Y B AC K G R O UN D
Local Planning Authorities are encouraged to use controls such as Article 4 directions
in order that the special interest of an area is retained. The legislation concerning the
designation of conservation areas and subsequent changes has been consolidated in
the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Under this Act, the local planning authority has a duty to periodically review its historic
areas and to publish proposals for their preservation and enhancement. In addition,
consideration must be given as to whether further historic areas warrant conservation
area designation.
The policies that relate to all conservation areas are set out in the Sheffield Unitary
Development Plan (UDP), which provides strategic guidance for the area. These form
the basis for decisions on planning applications. The UDP is to be replaced by the
Sheffield Development Framework (SDF) which will be the city’s portfolio of local
development documents, due to be prepared by 2010. The Council is also running a
programme of conservation area appraisals and all the conservation areas in the
authority’s control will be appraised by 2008. The UDP, SDF and all the appraisals
that are out to consultation are available to view at Howden House or on the Council’s
website.
F U R T H E R I N FO R M AT I O N
Any enquiries should be addressed to
Urban Design & Conservation Team,
Sheffield City Council,
Development Services,
Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield S1 2SH
Tel: 0114 2734223, Email: planningudep@sheffield.gov.uk
Useful web links:
Sheffield City Council: www.sheffield.gov.uk
English Heritage: www.english-heritage.org.uk
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this to be arranged.