‘A conservation area is defined as an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.
Cherwell has a high quality environment with 59 conservation areas throughout the district. Many are comprised of the historic core of our northern ironstone and thatch or southern limestone and stone slate villages. The centres of Banbury, Bicester, and the historic parts of Kidlington are also designated. A conservation area is defined as “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.”
English Heritage advises us to maintain up to date conservation area appraisals and we are required to review the designations “from time to time”. Appraisals set out the character of the area and indicate opportunities to preserve or enhance that character. All appraisals undergo public consultation so we can incorporate the views of people living and working in these areas
In addition to the Statutorily Listed Buildings (grade l, ll* and ll), which are listed by English Heritage, Government policy guidance advises us to draw up a list of buildings of Local Interest. We identify these though our conservation area appraisal process. If a building is identified on the Local List as an “undesignated heritage asset”, we are required to have regard to this when determining planning applications that would affect it. It does not mean that the owner has to apply for listed building consent to undertake works.’
The above text has been extracted from Cherwell District Council’s website. For more details please visit; http://www.cherwell.gov.uk