Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration

120 Development in Conservation Areas

There is a presumption against the demolition of any building that contributes to the character of a conservation area.

Consent to demolish will not be granted unless it can be proved that the building or structure is incapable of satisfactory repair to ensure a continued and viable use and that replacement which satisfactorily contributes to the character of the conservation area is secured.

New developments or alterations or extensions to existing buildings in the conservation areas will be permitted provided they are carried out in a manner which preserves or enhances the established character or appearance of the area. Development proposals outside a conservation area which affect its character and setting will be considered likewise. Each scheme will be expected to:

  • respect established building lines, layouts and patterns. In particular, infilling proposals will be carefully controlled;
  • use materials and adopt design details which are traditional to the area and complement its character;
  • be of a scale and proportion which is sympathetic to the scale, form, height and overall character of the surrounding area;
  • in the case of alterations and extensions, be complementary and sympathetic to the established character of the building to be altered or extended; and
  • conform with any design guides for conservation areas prepared by the Council.

Within a conservation area, applicants are encouraged to submit detailed planning applications. Planning permission may be refused if insufficient detail is provided in applications to judge the impact of the proposed development on the conservation area.

A high standard of advertisement design is expected (see Policy 112).

Statutory undertakers and local authorities will be encouraged to recognise the importance of conservation areas when providing articles such as street furniture, highway signs, paving materials, lighting and overhead lines.

The designated conservation areas are listed below. Within the Plan period consideration will be given to further areas of architectural or historic interest which may merit designation as conservation areas and to the review of all existing conservation area boundaries.

SCHEDULE OF CONSERVATION AREAS

  • Aldbury
  • Berkhamsted
  • Bovingdon
  • Chipperfield
  • Dudswell
  • Flamstead
  • Flaunden
  • Frithsden
  • Great Gaddesden
  • Hemel Hempstead
  • Kings Langley
  • Little Gaddesden
  • Long Marston
  • Markyate
  • Nettleden
  • Northchurch
  • Piccotts End
  • Potten End
  • Ringshall
  • Tring
  • Water End
  • Wilstone
  • Winkwell

In considering applications for development in conservation areas the Council will take account of the Character Statements for Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead High Street and Potten End Conservation Areas, which have been issued as Supplementary Planning Guidance, and any similar statements that are subsequently prepared for other Conservation Areas within the Borough. Reference should also made to the general advice provided in Supplementary Planning Guidance ‘Development in Conservation Areas or Affecting Listed Buildings’.

For more information please see the Local Plan

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