Conservation Areas - A Guide

Introduction

This page provides guidance for those who live in properties located within the Borough’s Conservation Areas and for people who are considering buying a property located within a Conservation Area. It also provides brief general guidance on the main restrictions affecting properties in Conservation Areas.

What Is A Conservation Area?

Conservation Areas are defined as “areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance; (Section 69 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990”

There are currently 26 designated Conservation Areas within Worthing. They include large areas of the town, for example the Marine Parade and Hinterland Conservation Area, as well as smaller groups of buildings and open spaces. While many Conservation Areas contain Listed Buildings, it is not necessarily for this reason that designation is awarded. Groups of non-listed, but architecturally interesting buildings, can also warrant the designation of a Conservation Area.

Do I Live In A Conservation Area?

You can find out whether a property is located within one of the Borough’s Conservation Areas by viewing our Conservation (Buildings) page, visiting or telephoning our Planning Reception. Alternatively, copies of the Conservation Area maps are held at Worthing Central Library.

How Am I Affected If I Live In Or Own A Property In A Conservation Area?

Uses of planning powers in Conservation Areas

Any proposed works to your property which constitute ‘development’ requiring planning permission, will require the submission of a planning application. When the property is also located within a Conservation Area, the planning application will be considered in respect of whether the proposal would “preserve or enhance the character and appearance” of the Conservation Area. If any proposed developments conflict with that objective, there will be a presumption against the granting of planning permission.

Permitted Development in Conservation Areas

The location of your property within a Conservation Area means that certain types of development, which are normally classified as ‘permitted development’ (not requiring an application for planning permission) elsewhere, will require the benefit of planning permission. For example, the provision of stone cladding to a dwelling house (which is greater in size than 10 cubic metres). This list is by no means comprehensive and is included for guidance purposes only. If you are in any doubt as to whether you need planning permission, please contact the Planning Section before you start work.

Conservation Area Control Over Demolition

Conservation Area designation introduces control over the demolition of most buildings within a Conservation Area. In cases where a building is to be demolished, Conservation Area consent is required from the Council. The procedures for obtaining Conservation Area consent are essentially the same as for Listed Building consent application. When an application for Conservation Area consent is submitted, the Council carefully considers the part played in the architectural or historic interest of the area by the building for which demolition is proposed and in particular, the wider effects of the demolition on the Conservation Area as a whole. The general presumption is in favour of retaining the building, where it makes a positive contribution to the character or the appearance of the Conservation Area. Should you be in any doubt as to whether the proposed works require Conservation Area consent, you should contact the Planning Section for advice before you start work.

Advertisement Control

Advertisements are an essential part of commercial activity and where they are well designed in the context of their surroundings, they can contribute to the vitality and viability of the street scene. In Conservation Areas, it is especially important that advertisements respect the character and appearance of the area. The Council will require the design and nature of advertising material in a Conservation Area to contribute positively to the character and appearance of the area. Where an existing advertisement of long standing detracts from the character or appearance of the Conservation Area, the Council may consider serving a discontinuance notice to secure its removal.

Trees in Conservation Areas

Provision is made within the legislation to protect trees in Conservation Areas. If you wish to fell, lop, top or uproot a tree in a Conservation Area (other than those already protected by a Tree Preservation Order), you must give the Council six weeks written notice of any intended works to trees.

It is an offence to carry out works to trees within Conservation Areas, without giving the Council the required six weeks notice of intention. The Council is happy to give advice on works to trees and how to submit details in respect of the intended works.

How Do I Apply For Conservation Area Consent And How Long Will It Take?

Applications for Conservation Area consent (required for demolition of buildings and structures within Conservation Areas), are made to the Borough Council on a special application form which is obtainable from our Planning Reception. These forms should be submitted with an Ordnance Survey plan (scale 1:1250), a block plan (scale 1:500) and photographs or drawings of the building to be demolished. No fee is required for an application for Conservation Area Consent.

An application for Conservation Area consent is a matter of public interest. We are required by regulations to advertise the application on site and in the local newspaper. In Worthing, we also notify adjoining property owners by letter. The Council then has to allow 21 days for comments. Views received must be taken into account before the Council can make its decision. Usually the process is completed within eight weeks. An appeal can be made to the Secretary of State against a refusal of Conservation Area consent.

What If I Undertake Work Without Gaining Conservation Area Consent?

If unauthorised demolition of a building within a Conservation Area is undertaken, the Council can take enforcement action. This may require the building to be reconstructed or specify action, which would alleviate the effects of the works executed without consent. Some unauthorised works are a criminal offence and owners, agents or builders involved in the unauthorised works can face prosecution.

Setting Ourselves Standards

We have an adopted Code of Practice for processing all applications, a copy of which is available upon request at the Planning Reception desk. This sets targets for the Council to meet. We also have an adopted Code of Practice for the publicity of planning applications. We generally publicise beyond the minimum statutory regulations. Again, a copy is available at our Reception Desk.

THIS ADVICE IS AVAILABLE AS A LARGE PRINT LEAFLET

Back to Navigation - Back to the top of this article

Your Comments On This Page

By sharing just a few words on how useful this page was, what was good, what was missing or confusing can really help us improve our website. Send a quick message to the web developer and your feedback will be used to improve this page. Do not use this form to lodge complaints or comments that need feedback.

 Send Feedback