Conservation areas
A conservation area is an area of "Special
architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of
which it is desirable to preserve or enhance". This designation is
a recognition of the group value of buildings and their
surroundings and the need to protect not just the individual
buildings, but the distinctive character of the area as a
whole.
The special character usually derives from a combination of many
features, such as trees, walls, hedgerows, open spaces, groups of
buildings, the degree of enclosure, the massing and detailing of
buildings. Each area is unique.
We have 20 conservation areas.
- Ashworth Fold
- Hollingworth Fold
- Littleborough
- Middleton
- Ogden
- Rakewood
- Town Hall
- Wardle
- Whittaker
- Toad Lane
- Prickshaw and Broadley Fold
- Clegg Village
- Moorgate Avenue
- Butterworth Hall (Municipal Buildings), Newhey
- Butterworth Hall, Newhey
- Rock Nook, Littleborough
- Maclure Road
- Heywood Station
- Castleton (South)
- Spotland Bridge
The purpose of a conservation area is to help prevent the
erosion of those special architectural and historic qualities by
controlling unsympathetic alterations and development, or loss from
demolition and differs from listed buildings as its aim is to
preserve and enhance the character of an area as a whole rather
than by simply protecting individual buildings. The designation of
a conservation area is not intended to prevent subsequent
development, as sensitively designed new buildings can often
enhance the character of a conservation area, but simply to ensure
that proposals will be sympathetic to the area and enhance its
character.
Most householders are able to carry out certain alterations to
their properties without the need to obtain planning permission.
These are known as 'Permitted Development Rights'. In conservation
areas some of these rights are removed and planning permission is
required for such development. Demolition or part demolition
of buildings in conservation areas almost always requires
conservation area consent. The advice of our Development Control
Officers should always be sought before making any alterations to a
home in a conservation area (including the erection of fencing and
satellite dishes).
Some unlisted buildings of particular character within
conservation areas may be considered worthy or further protection
from unsympathetic alterations and development. Currently we
have certain restrictions on some conservation areas, and as such
you should seek guidance from our Development Control Officers to
see if this applies to you.