Conservation Areas Development within or otherwise affecting the setting of a conservation area will only be permitted where it preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the conservation area. Development must: a) Respect existing architectural and historic character and associations by having regard to the positioning and grouping, form, scale, detailing of development and the use of materials in its construction; b) Respect existing hard and soft landscaping features including areas of open space, trees, hedges, walls, fences, watercourses and surfacing and the special character created by them; and c) Respect historic plot boundaries and layouts. Open Spaces Built development will not be permitted on public and private open spaces within or adjacent to conservation areas where those spaces are of special historic significance, are important to the landscape or townscape qualities of the conservation area or provide views or vistas into, from or within the conservation area. Demolition Development involving the demolition of buildings or structures in a conservation area will only be permitted if: d) It is demonstrated that the structural condition of the building prevents its repair; e) The building makes no positive contribution to the architectural or historic character of the conservation area; and f) There are approved detailed plans for the redevelopment of the site and a contract has been entered into for the implementation of that redevelopment. Outline applications for planning permission will not be acceptable for development in conservation areas.
