The main attributes that define the special character of an area are its physical appearance and history – ie the form and features of buildings and the spaces between them, their former uses and historical development. The District Council is in the process of producing Character Statements for the Conservation Areas in the District. The Character Statements already produced and adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance, can be viewed in the Linked Documents box on the right hand side of this page. New statements will be posted during the consultation period, when we would welcome your comments, and when they are formally adopted as SPG.

Where there are a number of periods of historical development, the character of individual parts of the Conservation Area may differ. Contrasts between the appearance of areas and the combination of buildings of various ages, materials and styles may contribute to its special character.

In some instances, areas which either contribute little, or are even detrimental to the character of the Conservation Area, are included within the boundary because of their potential for enhancement. It is important that the benefits of potential enhancement are carefully balanced against the possibility that the inclusion of such areas may be perceived as devaluing the status of the Conservation Area as a whole.