Conservation Areas

What is a Conservation Area?

Conservation Areas within Reading are designated by Reading Borough Council and are defined in legislation as: "Areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".

Conservation legislation's primary role aims to protect large groups of buildings and related open spaces.

The special interest of an area can be the result of a number of characteristic, such as an historic street pattern, traditional buildings styles, association with an historic event or figure, or a local industry or trade and will often be centred around a listed building.

Conservation Areas within Reading vary in character from Victorian suburbs at The Mount, to village centres at Horncastle and St Peter's and formal Georgian/Regency townscapes at Eldon Square. The designation of a conservation area helps to identify these important local characteristics and ensure they are properly considered if changes are proposed.

Where are the Conservation Areas within Reading. Detailed maps showing the boundary of each area are held by Reading Borough Council and are available for inspection at the Planning Reception, ground floor of the Civic Centre.

Living in a Conservation Area

Reading Borough Council is committed to conserving and enhancing conservation areas. In practice this is carried out through the use of additional planning controls and increased attention to detailed environmental improvements. The council aims to promote the retention of traditional building materials. For example timber windows are preferred to plastic or similar replacement windows. Appropriate street furniture and planting is also sought.

In addition to the usual planning controls there are other works in Conservation Areas for which you will need further permission. This is an addition to regulations relating to house extensions, garden buildings, boundary walls, fences and advertisements. The list below is not definitive. It is always advisable, if you are thinking about carrying out work in a conservation area to first contact the planning department. Works, which need further permission include:

• Demolition or partial demolition of some garden walls and fences
• Demolition or partial demolition of a building larger than 115 cubic metres in volume.
• Any work to trees
• Roof alterations e.g. adding a dormer window or the removal of chimney stacks.
• The addition of cladding to the outside of the house.
• Control over the installation of satellite dishes.

Character and Appearance

The character and appearance of conservation areas are easily damaged through insensitive alterations, which can often be outside of planning control. Therefore it is important that residents and people who work in conservation areas respect the special qualities of the conservation area.

Demolition

Written Conservation Area Consent is required for the full or part demolition of any building or structure, including some outhouses and walls within a conservation area. Some small structures may be exempt. However, if any demolition is considered it is best to contact the planning department to check if consent is required.

Listed Buildings in Conservation Area

If the building is listed then Listed Building Consent is required where any alterations or extensions as well as any form of demolition are proposed. For further information see A Guide to listed building Consent at  the top right hand side of this page.

For advice to Planning and Conservation Area:

If the information you are looking for is not here,  please contcat the Council:READING BOROUGH COUNCIL    Planning dept.

e-mail: planning.info@reading.gov.uk

tel:0800-626540

http://www.reading.gov.uk/General.asp?id=SXDDCF-A77FB568&cat=932

Other useful Contacts and further information

English Heritage 23 Savile Row London W1X 1AB Tel: 0870 33 1181	Ancient Monuments Society St. Anne's Vestry Hall 2 Church Entry London EC4V 5HB
Victorian Society 1 Priory Gardens Bedford Park London W4 1TT Tel: 020 8994 1019	Georgian Group 6 Fitzroy Square London W1P 6DX Tel: 020 3787 1720
Department of Culture Media and Sport 2-4 Cockspur Street London SW1Y 5DH Tel: 020 7211 6200	Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings 37 Spital Square London E1 6DY Tel: 020 7377 1644
Department of Transport Local Government & Regions Govt. Office for the South East Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close Guildford, Surrey GU1 4GA Tel: 020 7944 3000