• Town and Country Planning Act 1990
• Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

An exhibition and questionnaire relating to a possible conservation area designation for West Felton was recently undertaken by the parish council and a heritage consultant. Shropshire Council cabinet has now confirmed a formal consultation on the designation of the conservation area, the boundary of which is shown on the plan attached to this page.

Conservation areas are defined by section 69 of the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 (as amended) as:

''...areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance."

This is a strictly applied definition and should not be confused with areas of outstanding natural beauty or other designated areas. Conservation areas are designated by the us, usually after public consultation, although this is not a legal requirement.

Conservation areas vary, ranging from historic town centres to industrial and rural villages. They can be designated because of their composition of historic buildings, historic and architectural significance, layout or private spaces, such as gardens, parks and greens, trees or street furniture. Conservation area designation is a broader protection than listing individual buildings, and all features within the area, listed or otherwise, are recognised as part of its character, and informs the management of development through planning. 

The conservation area designation introduces the legislative requirement for the local planning authority to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area where considering planning applications. In addition to this, permitted development rights for individual properties are more restricted, eg planning permission is required for: changes to exterior materials; extensions/outbuildings to the side elevations; two-storey rear extensions; new dormer windows; installation or alterations of chimneys/flues fronting a highway; and installation of satellite dishes fronting or visible from a highway. This list is not exhaustive so please contact us directly with any specific enquiries. 

We also have extra controls over the following:

• Works to trees
• Demolition
• Advertisement, signage and shop fronts

More information on conservation areas can be found on the Historic England and the Shropshire Council websites.

Please find attached the map which identifies the area to be covered by the conservation area. This is a draft map and as such can be adapted in response to suggestions.

The consultation period for the proposed designation will end on 24 February 2023.

Just click on the 'How to get involved' tab for information on how to have your say.

Documents

• Appendix 1 - Proposed Conservation Area Boundary for WestFelton.pdf

If you'd like to comment on the proposed designation, the draft map or have any other queries please email historic.environment@shropshire.gov.uk or write to us at Historic Environment Team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND. You can also contact us by phone on 01743 258725 or 01743 254605.