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Conservation Areas

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Special spots in the Lake District

What is a Conservation Area?

Conservation areas are legally defined as areas of 'special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. The special character relates to the quality and interest of an area as a whole rather than just individual buildings.

The designation of a conservation area can be based on qualities such as:

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the historic layout of streets, plots and boundaries
the quality, character and “group interest” of its buildings
boundary features and their materials
the spaces that the buildings enclose, including open spaces and greenery
the views, vistas and ‘townscape’ character created by the buildings and spaces
traditional uses and activities which characterise the area
the sounds, smells and activity which give an area its distinctive character

A conservation area may need to change and evolve to meet the changing demands and pressures of daily life. Well-designed, innovative, contemporary and sustainable new developments sensitive to the local character of the area can be beneficial rather than detrimental. Policies and guidance help manage change without undermining the conservation area's character.

View Conservation Areas

Our Conservation Areas Maps of towns and villages within the National Park (opens Document Library) show the Conservation Area boundary as a thick black line. Settlements covered include:

Ambleside
Askham
Bampton
Bampton Grange
Blindcrake
Bowness-on-Windermere
Broughton-in-Furness
Caldbeck
Far Sawrey
Grasmere Town End
Grasmere Village
Hartsop
Hawkshead
Helton
Hesket Newmarket
Keswick
Lowther
Near Sawrey
Ravenglass
Rydal
Staveley
Troutbeck

Demolishing buildings in a Conservation Area

Conservation Area Consent is required for any works for the demolition of most buildings contained in a Conservation Area.

Please read our how to apply page for more details.

Working on trees in a Conservation Area

Please read our Trees in Conservation Areas page.

Designation powers and duties of Local Planning Authorities

Local planning authorities such as ourselves can designate new conservation areas and review existing conservation areas and boundaries. Legally we must formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of our Conservation Areas. Also we must consider whether further historic areas need conservation area designation. We are encouraged to use controls such as Article 4 Directions to prevent the loss of historic features.