Conservation areas
What is a Conservation Area?
These are areas, judged to have special character by virtue of their particular arrangement of the townscape, that are worth trying to protect. This designation allows us extra control and scope for improvement initiatives. If we designate or amend the boundaries of a Conservation area, we must first advertise our intentions in at least one local newspaper. We will carry out consultation with the local community normally during the preparation of the Local Plan.
How many are there in Perth & Kinross?
We have designated 34 Conservation Areas, 13 of which have been designated as 'outstanding' within Perth & Kinross.
Where are they?
The Outstanding Conservation Areas are in - Comrie, Dunkeld, Dunning, Fortingall, Kenmore, Kinross, Muthill, Perth City Area 1 (Barrossa Place, Rose Terrace, Atholl Street), Perth City Area 2 (George Street), Perth City Area 3 (St John Street), Perth City Area 4 (Tay Street), Perth City Area 5 (Marshall Place, St Leonard's Bank), Spittalfield.
The Conservation Areas are in - Abernethy, Baledgarno, Birnam, Cliesh, Coupar Angus, Errol, Forgandenny, Fowlis Wester, Inchture, Kinnesswood, Kinrossie, Knapp, Longforgan, Meikleour, Moulin, Perth City Area 6 (King Street, James Street), Perth City Area 7 (City Mills), Perth Kinnoull, Pitcairngreen, Rait, Wester Balgeddie.
To find maps of the Conservation Areas you should look at the Local Plan for the area within which it lies.
What controls operate in a Conservation Area?
Conservation area consent is required for the demolition of any unlisted building (although certain very small buildings are exempt). The demolition of even a single building and the construction of a new building or buildings could result in the character or appearance of it changing to its detriment.
Many unlisted buildings in a conservation area, whilst not worthy of listing, contribute significantly to the character of the conservation area.
In a conservation area, 'permitted development' (minor development not requiring a planning application) may be restricted. This means that most developments are likely to require a planning application.
What is an Article 4 Direction?
We can apply to Scottish Ministers for these extra controls (known as Article 4 Directions) and we must publicise our intention to do that in the local press and the Edinburgh Gazette.
Any planning application which we think is likely to alter the character of a Conservation Area must be advertised in the local press and a notice posted near the site.
We must then allow 21 days for objections and comments before determining the application.
All trees in a Conservation Area are protected from pruning, lopping or felling. Before any work can be undertaken, we must be notified; we then have six weeks in which to let you know whether formal permission is required.
