Biggleswade Conservation Area

Conservation Areas are designated as areas of special architectural or historic interest by local planning authorities. These areas are distinguished by their architecture, landscape and history, creating an attractive environment that is often the product of several different eras. They are important examples of our social, cultural and aesthetic history and must be safeguarded from indiscriminate or ill-considered change.

The legislation relating to Conservation Areas is set out in the Planning Act 1990 and Government guidance is contained within Planning Policy Guidance: Planning and the Histroric Environment, which is more commonly known as PPG15.

From a planning point of view, Councils need to exercise greater control over development in these areas. Consent is required for the demolition in whole or part of most buildings and structures, including walls and outhouses. For the felling, lopping or uprooting of trees, the Council must be given six weeks notice in writing. It is an offence to carry out the work within that period without the consent of the Council. The siting of a satellite dish on the chimney stack or on the roof slope or elevation of a house fronting the road requires planning permission. Proposals to change the profile of a roof, and to clad a building with a different material, also requires planning permission.

The designation of a Conservation Area indicates a Council's positive commitment to these areas and its intention to preserve and enhance the quality of the environment.  However, Conservation Areas 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.

Biggleswade Conservation Area:

 Biggleswade (application/pdf; 584kB)