Introduction: What is a Conservation Area?
What is a Conservation Area?
Legislation on conservation areas is contained in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (Part II).
This Act defines a conservation area as "an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".
The Act gives local authorities like Leicester City Council the power to designate conservation areas and imposes a duty on them to preserve and enhance the character of such areas.
To try and protect the architectural and historic character of areas under threat from physical decay and inappropriate development, Leicester City Council has declared 23 conservation areas. Each of these conservation areas is distinctive and contains qualities which help to give Leicester its own character.
Development within conservation areas is controlled by the Council through the planning process to ensure that it does not spoil the special character of these areas. The City Council also has a team of local experts who sit on a monthly Conservation Advisory Panel. This Panel advises on schemes affecting the character of listed buildings and conservation areas, often suggesting more sympathetic alternatives in sensitive areas.
Legislation on conservation areas is contained in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (Part II).
This Act defines a conservation area as "an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".
The Act gives local authorities like Leicester City Council the power to designate conservation areas and imposes a duty on them to preserve and enhance the character of such areas.
To try and protect the architectural and historic character of areas under threat from physical decay and inappropriate development, Leicester City Council has declared 23 conservation areas. Each of these conservation areas is distinctive and contains qualities which help to give Leicester its own character.
Development within conservation areas is controlled by the Council through the planning process to ensure that it does not spoil the special character of these areas. The City Council also has a team of local experts who sit on a monthly Conservation Advisory Panel. This Panel advises on schemes affecting the character of listed buildings and conservation areas, often suggesting more sympathetic alternatives in sensitive areas.