Conservation Areas

Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest with character or appearance which is desirable to preserve or enhance. ## How are they designated? These areas are designated by local authorities who assess the ‘specialness’. A conservation area recognises, protects, and celebrates areas of special character to protect the area and its features. ## What defines ‘special character’ in a conservation area? A conservation area will typically have a concentration of historic buildings, but its character and interest can come from other factors, including: * Views in and out of the area * Historic layout of property boundaries and roads * Character and architectural style * Social and historic associations * How people experience places at different times of day and night and seasonally * Locally important buildings * Characteristic building materials * Open spaces, green areas, parks and gardens, trees * Street furniture, e.g., lamp posts, bollards, seating * Colours and textures * Local distinctiveness and sense of place Character can also draw on more abstract ideas such as sounds, environmental conditions, and historical changes, which create a distinctive sense of place, a feature that’s wholly protected. There are more than 8,000 conservation areas in England. For additional information on Conservation areas within Northumberland, please visit [our website](https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/planning-and-building/conservation/conservation-areas). --- Data is aligned to the specifications for the [Planning Data Platform](https://www.planning.data.gov.uk/), in accordance with the [guidance](https://www.planning.data.gov.uk/guidance/specifications/conservation-area) and [specifications](https://digital-land.github.io/specification/specification/conservation-area/) for Conservation Area data. For any data questions or amendments, please contact the Conservation Team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or 0345 600 6400.