conservation area

 General guidance notes published by the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council 

What is a "Conservation Area"? 

A Conservation Area is an area which has a special architectural or historic character worthy of protection and enhancement. A Conservation Area may be the historic centre of a town or village, an older unspoilt residential area, or an important country house in large landscaped grounds. Conservation Areas are "designated" by the Local Authority to recognise the area's special character and to protect part of our Heritage.

New Barns and Broadwater Farm Conservation Area, East Malling, Kent 

What does this mean to residents in practical terms? 

Conservation Area designation aims to ensure that the special architectural or historic character of the area is properly maintained and enhanced. Buildings, paved areas, trees, hedges, walls, open spaces and other landscape and architectural features can all contribute to the character of an area. Designation of at Conservation Area does not mean that changes cannot occur, but rather that any change should enhance and preserve the features which make up its special character.

Are there any special restrictions or controls? 

There are special controls over development within Conservation Areas. The more significant are summarised below. This is for general information only and in specific cases you are advised to contact the Borough Council for advice:

• Consent must be obtained from the Local Planning Authority for the demolition of any building within the Conservation Area (with some minor exceptions), even if it is not a listed building. 
• Consent may also be required to demolish gates, walls, fences or railings. 
• "Permitted Development" rights to alter and extend properties without the need to submit a planning application are less extensive within a Conservation Area. These affect such things as the size of an extension or outbuilding and precludes the addition of any form of external cladding to the exterior of a building.
• No trees may be felled or lopped without first giving the Local Planning Authority 6 weeks notice. This gives the Local Authority time to decide whether the trees are of sufficient importance to warrant the making of a Tree Preservation Order.
• Outline applications for development are not normally accepted and a high architectural design standard is expected which respects the character and quality of the area Special attention is also paid to any development adjoining a Conservation Area to ensure there will be no harmful effects on the Conservation Area itself.