Conservation Areas

We have 66 conservation areas within Wychavon. These are areas of special architectural and historic interest that we wish to preserve or enhance, usually the historic parts of towns and villages.

Proposals for development within a Conservation Area will be assessed to ensure that they will either preserve or enchance the character or appearance of an area. Proposals will be determined against policies contained in the Adopted Wychavon District Local Plan, in particular policy ENV12.

Regard will also be had to national guidance in Planning Policy Statement 5.

Properties in some conservation areas are protected by Article 4(2) Directions. This means that at these properties planning permission is needed for works that could otherwise be done without permission, so that the character and appearance of the conservation area will be preserved. The works brought under planning control are usually new, and alterations to existing, doors and windows, and in some cases other works such as change of roof materials, removal of boundaries and laying of hardstanding.

The Heritage Team

advises on development proposals in conservation areas
designates and reviews conservation area boundaries
prepares and publishes conservation area character appraisals to explain the special interest of the conservation areas

Advice

we offer pre-application advice to potential applicants on the likelihood of getting permission for development in a conservation area, Guidance on Pre-application Advice (129.00 KB) and
are consulted on planning and conservation area consent applications to advise on the appropriateness of development proposals in conservation areas

Conservation Area Review

We are committed to a programme of review of all the conservation areas in Wychavon. In consultation with local residents we are

reviewing conservation area boundaries to take make sure they continue to be relevant to the present day
carrying out conservation area character appraisals to explain the special interest of each of the conservation areas
considering the introduction of extra planning controls to preserve the special character of our conservation areas