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Conservation areas

Draft conservation areas management plan consultation

Conservation areas are 'areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which is desirable to preserve or enhance'.  Planning controls are tighter in conservation areas, although in practice this means less in the New Forest as almost exactly the same level of planning control also applies in all national parks.

There is specifically within conservation areas control over the total or substantial demolition of all but the very smallest of buildings.  Also control is exercised over work to trees in conservation areas.

It is the quality and interest of the area, rather than that of individual buildings, which is the prime consideration in identifying a conservation area.

The Authority is reviewing conservation areas in the National Park Boundary, there are many areas where small and modest ( but unprotected) buildings that typify the New Forest remain.  Many cob buildings, simple brick cottages, and early bungalows give parts of the New Forest their strong character, but every year fewer - and fewer in original condition - survive.  Conservation area status would prevent the all-too-final loss of these valuable buildings.

The Authority is also preparing guidance on how conservation areas should be managed, setting down principles that it is hoped can be shared and agreed to by all who do work there.

A full list of conservation areas in the National Park can be viewed by following the link.