Conservation Areas in the South Hams

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings are now extensively recognised for their historic interest.

The Council's Heritage Specialists, working within Planning, assist to make sure that new development in Conservation Areas is in line with local and national planning policies.

What is a Conservation Area?

Conservation Areas are areas that are considered to be of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

The special character of a Conservation area does not only come from its buildings. Other elements are also important, including:

The historic layout of paths, roads and boundaries
Characteristic materials used in buildings, paving and street furniture
The character and layout of spaces, and the "mix" of uses for example, houses, shops and public houses.
Vistas and viewpoints along streets and between buildings

Why is a Conservation Area important?

Conservation Area designation gives the Council greater powers to control development and changes within a conservation area, so that we can preserve or enhance their special character
The idea is not to prevent development but to make sure that any changes are sympathetic to the special architectural and historic character of the area. This is particularly important in terms of scale, design, materials and the space between buildings.

How do Conservation Areas affect planning permission?

Additional planning controls apply to Conservation Areas, and Planning Consent may be required for works such as:

Demolition of all or part of a building or structure (including walls, chimneys and outhouses)
Minor developments - including alterations to roofs or the cladding of buildings
Tree works- cutting, uprooting, lopping or topping of trees
Installation of satellite dishes