Conservation
AreasWhat they are and how they affect you
Conservation areas can be defined as:-
'Areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'.
Dover District is fortunate in having many fine buildings and areas which are distinguished by their architecture, landscape and history, creating an attractive environment that often is the product of several different eras. These areas are important examples of our social, cultural and aesthetic history and must be safeguarded from indiscriminate or ill-considered change. These areas often contain "Listed Buildings" which are included in the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. However, it is not always enough to protect these buildings in isolation. Their surroundings and general environment are often of equal importance and conservation areas are intended to protect that environment. We have a responsibility to ensure that the character of these areas is not diminished in our lifetime.
The designation of a conservation area indicates the District Council's
positive commitment to these areas and its intention to preserve and enhance
the quality of the environment. However, conservation areas are not open-air
museums but living communities
which must be allowed to change over time in order to remain vital and
prosperous. Consequently the emphasis is to guide and control development
rather than to prevent it. It is important though, that all new development
should be sympathetic to the special architectural and aesthetic qualities
of the area, particularly in terms of scale, design, materials and space
between buildings.
Interactive map of Conservation Areas in the Dover District
The Council has statutory powers to control changes within conservation areas and these are summarised as follows:-
Conservation Area Consent is required for the demolition in whole or part of most buildings and structures, including walls and outhouses. If demolition is being considered then advice should be sought from the District Council.
If you wish to fell, lop or top or uproot trees within a conservation area, you must give the District Council six weeks notice in writing. It is an offence to carry out the work within that period without the consent of the District Council.
The siting of a satellite dish on the chimney stack or on the roof slope or elevation fronting the road requires consent from the District Council.
The District Council has the power to require a very
high standard of design which is sympathetic to the existing environment.
New development must make a positive contribution to the character of
the area. In view of this the Council can require additional information
in support of any planning application
showing how the proposal will relate to the conservation area. This can
mean the submission of elevations of adjacent buildings, full details
of the proposal and examples of materials and colours. Usually only a
fully detailed planning application will be considered, which should be
accompanied by a design statement.
The
Council must advertise all planning applications affecting the character
of conservation areas both on site and in the local paper.
Detailed information is contained in the following leaflets, available from the Planning Division:-
Design Guides
1. Shop Fronts in Conservation Areas
2. Shop Signs in Conservation Areas
3. Design Statements: Guidance Notes for Applicants and Agents
4. Security Measures for Retail and Commercial Premises - Supplementary
Planning Guidance.
Alterations to Roofs and Cladding of Buildings
Proposals to change the profile of a roof, for example with the provision of a dormer window, and to clad a building with a different material, such as imitation stone, require consent from the District Council.
The Success of the Conservation Areas
The ultimate success of conservation areas will depend upon the care which individual owners take with the maintenance and repair of their properties and in any alterations or extensions they make.
For example original windows and doors should be repaired where possible, or replaced with new ones to match the originals in terms of materials used and details of their design. Cumulatively, even small changes can detract from the special character of an area.
Some conservation areas have additional controls to the ones described in this leaflet and information on this can be gained from the address given below.
If you would like to make any changes to your property or require further information on any aspect of this leaflet please contact:-
The Conservation Section
Planning Division
Dover District Council
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent
CT16 3PJ
Telephone: (01304) 872482
E-mail: conservation@dover.gov.uk
