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
|