Planning legislation requires the Borough Council to determine whether any parts of their area are "areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".
These areas, which are then designated as Conservation Areas, derive their special qualities from the buildings, their traditional details, materials, scale and form. Equally important, however, is the way in which buildings and spaces relate to each other, the historic form and layout of street patterns, views, open spaces, trees and other landscape features.
There are currently 32 conservation areas designated within the Borough. These range in size from larger conservation areas centred upon the historic core of towns and villages to much smaller rural hamlets.
Conservation Area status does not rule out the need for new development, which is sometimes necessary to maintain an area's economic and social vitality. Rather, it aims to direct any changes so that the existing historic and architectural character is respected and the new can sit sympathetically alongside the old. It follows that there will be a strong presumption in favour of retaining existing buildings wherever possible.
The Council has prepared a list of Conservation Area - Frequently Asked Questions which gives further guidance on specific conservation area issues.
Once a Conservation Area has been designated, certain planning controls apply, which are outlined below. However, it should be emphasised that these are quite modest. Designation is more a recognition of the special qualities of a locality and a statement of intent by the Borough Council to protect them. This is reflected within planning policies set out in Chapter 5 of the High Peak Adopted Local Plan.
Specific written approval called 'Conservation Area Consent' is usually required to demolish whole or part of most buildings and structures within a conservation area. This requirement may include, for example, demolishing walls or outbuildings or undertaking substantial rebuilding works. If you are unsure if your proposal requires consent then you are advised to consult the Conservation Officer. Email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk or call our Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
Trees are usually such an important part of the overall appearance and character of Conservation Areas that they are given additional protection. Any person wishing to fell, top or lop a tree in a Conservation Area is required to give six weeks prior written notice to the Borough Council. This will allow time to consider whether a Tree Preservation Order should be made. Further advice can be obtained from the Council’s Arboricultural Officer. Email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk or call our Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
Within Conservation Areas, qualities, which contribute to their character, will be protected and enhanced. These qualities not only include the architectural character and detailing of buildings, but also open spaces, views and trees. Any new development proposals therefore must have regard to these qualities and be sympathetic in size, scale, proportion, design and materials to the adjoining buildings and the locality in general.
In order to fully assess the impact of any proposal in the Conservation Area, additional information in support of a planning application may be required, including drawings showing the proposal alongside adjacent buildings along with a Design and Access Statement (959KB) 
.
Collectively, surviving historic and architectural details on buildings can make an immense contribution to a Conservation Area's character and appearance. It follows that their preservation, through sympathetic repairs is extremely important. Such details include traditional panelled doors, sliding sash or casement windows, Welsh blue or stone slate roofs, chimney stacks, boundary walls and railings.
Any unsympathetic alterations to these details can be very damaging to a Conservation Area and much of this minor work does not require specific planning permission. The Borough Council may, however, remove permitted development rights (External website**) or introduce Article 4 Directions (External website**). This will result in the need to apply for planning permission for specified minor works. Article 4 Directions already exist in some conservation areas and the Borough Council may apply for further directions. You are advised to consult the Planning & Development Services to establish whether these controls are in place within your local area and whether your proposal requires planning permission. Email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk or call our Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
The Council has prepared a list of Conservation Area - Frequently Asked Questions which gives further guidance on specific conservation area issues.
Please contact the Conservation Officer. Email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk or call our Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.