Conservation Areas
What are Conservation Areas?
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.
Living in a Conservation Area
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:-
Demolition of Buildings
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.
Trees
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.
Satellite Dishes
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.
Design of New Development
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
- Shop Fronts in Conservation Areas
- Shop Signs in Conservation Areas
- 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) 872486
E-mail: conservation@dover.gov.uk
