The council is carrying out a review of all its 30 conservation areas. A review involves:
- Assessing the character of the conservation area
- Developing an enhancement strategy for the area
- Seeking local views on reviewing the boundary to the conservation area
This work is in accordance with English Heritage guidance, which sets out 13 headings under which to consider character:
- Location and population
- Origins and development of the settlement
- Prevalent and traditional building materials, textures and colours
- Local details
- Prevailing or former uses within the area, their historic patronage and influence on the plan form and building types
- Contributions made by green spaces, trees, hedges and other natural or cultivated elements
- Archaeological significance of area
- Architectural and historic qualities of the buildings
- Contribution made by key unlisted buildings
- The setting of the conservation area and its relationship with the landscape or open countryside, including definition of significant landmarks, vistas and panoramas
- The character and relationship of spaces within the area
- The extent of loss, intrusion or damage – i.e. negative factors
- Existence of any neutral areas