Conservation Areas

South Bucks has twenty-one Conservation Areas: See Related Pages
The Council is carrying out a review of Conservation Areas, with consideration being given to whether any changes are needed to existing Conservation Areas, and whether any new areas should be designated as Conservation Areas. Consultation will take place with the local community when an area is being considered for designation/re-designation. Where areas are re-designated, or where additional areas are designated, the Council will prepare a Character Appraisal which outlines the special interest that has contributed to its designation as a Conservation Area.

For a brief guide to the implications of Conservation Area designation please see the leaflet "Guidance for Residents" available from the Council Offices or download below.


For more information, the Conservation & Design Officer can be contacted on 01895 837375 or via email: conservation@southbucks.gov.uk

The local authority provides advice and consultation to local residents who are considering carrying out any works on property within a conservation area. The authority can advise on the need for permission, their procedures, what should be submitted with an application and the matters that will be taken into account in deciding an application.

All applications for planning permission are considered from the conservation point of view and can be refused on conservation grounds alone. This applies to planning applications not only in the conservation area itself but also in the vicinity. Permission or consent should be granted only if a proposal enhances or preserves the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. An applicant has a right to appeal against a refusal, or against any conditions attached to a permission or consent.

Listed building and conservation area legislation and guidance
Listed building and conservation area controls are provided under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Government guidance to this legislation is provided by Planning Policy statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment (known as PPS5), and circular advice, which can be found on the web site of the Department for Communities and Local Government. www.communities.gov.uk(Opens new window to external site)
You can also find more information about planning controls in conservation area from the Government’s Planning Portal www.planningportal.gov.uk(opens new window to external site)

Links to useful websites

About Buckinghamshire's history:
www.buckscc.gov.uk
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About Gerrards Cross:
www.gx2006.co.uk
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Information on listing and conservation areas:
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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www.culture.gov.uk
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Technical help and advice:
www.spab.org.uk
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www.victorian-society.org.uk
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www.georgiangroup.org.uk
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www.buildingconservation.com
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Information on making historic buildings more energy efficient:
www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.uk
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