WHAT IS A CONSERVATION AREA?
The statutory definition of a conservation
area is “ an area of special architectural
interest, the character or appearance of which
it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.
It is the quality and interest of areas rather
than individual buildings which is important.
There are many factors that contribute to the
character of a conservation area:
• The historic layout of property
boundaries and thoroughfares.
• A particular mix of uses.
• Vistas along streets and between
buildings.
• Characteristic materials
• Appropriate scaling and detailing of
buildings.
• Quality shop fronts, street furniture, hard
and soft surfaces
• Trees and open spaces.
Each conservation area has been assessed
and described and the information is
available in booklet form.
There are also conservation area policies in
the adopted West Lindsey Local Plan.
The District Council has a specialist
conservation team and any information,
advice or publications are available from
them.
NEW DEVELOPMENT
CONSERVATION AREAS IN
WEST LINDSEY
The consequence of conservation area
designation is not to preserve conservation
areas in aspic but to support their vitality
with appropriate development. New
development must of course blend with its
surroundings and compliment the area.
Particular care should be given to;
• Height and scale
• Form and layout
• Respect for frontages
• Boundary treatment
• Local architectural details
• Materials
• Landscape
In West Lindsey there are 24 conservation
areas, some in the larger settlements of
Gainsborough, Market Rasen and Caistor,
but the majority in the villages.
Pre-application discussions with
conservation and development control
officers are strongly recommended before
submitting an application.
The aim must be to ensure that the quality of
townscape is preserved or enhanced as well
as protecting individual buildings.
Often a full application rather than an outline
application will be required to ensure that a
particular development is appropriate within
the context of a conservation area.
All planning applications which affect the
character or appearance of conservation
areas will be publicised by a notice in the
local paper and on site to invite comment.
THE NEED FOR PLANNING
PERMISSION
Householders have certain permitted
development rights for carrying out
development without the need to apply for
planning permission. Permitted development
rights in conservation areas are less extensive
than in areas outside them.
In conservation areas such work as
extensions, changes to the roof shape,
cladding, building in the curtilage and
satellite dishes might require permission.
You are advised to check with the District
Council before carrying out any new
development.
ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS
Some conservation areas have Article 4
Directions attached to them. These
Directions further limit the type of
development that can be undertaken without
the need for planning permission. They are
put in place to protect very special features
such as natural stone walls or distinctive
architectural details.
DEMOLITION
There are special controls over demolition in
conservation areas and consent must be
obtained before demolition takes place. This
consent is called conservation area consent
and applications are free.
There is a general presumption in favour of
retaining buildings that make a positive
contribution to the character and appearance
of a conservation area.
tree that is in a conservation area must give
written notice of at least 6 weeks to the
District Council. There is a form available
for this.
FURTHER INFORMATION
AVAILABLE
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Conservation area designations in West
Lindsey.
Conservation area assessment booklets.
Satellite Dishes in conservation areas.
Article 4 Directions in West Lindsey
Local Plan Policies for conservation
areas.
Historic Building Grants
Protected Trees
Tree planting and maintenance
REPAIRS TO BUILDINGS
Repairs will not generally require any
consent. Grants may also be available on
historic buildings to help with the extra cost
of using traditional materials and detailing.
TREES
Trees are often very important to the
character of conservation areas, either in
groups or as single specimens.
In order to give them some protection,
anyone proposing to carry out any works to a
For more information call or write to:
Planning Services
26 Spital Terrace
Gainsborough
Lincolnshire
DN21 2HG
Telephone: 01427 676647
Planning Information Note
Living in a
Conservation
Area
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