Conservation areas & townscape assessment

DPP Heritage & Design prepare character appraisals and assessments of conservation areas for both local planning authorities and clients who propose change, including large-scale urban regeneration projects, to identify their special character and appearance. Our experience in boundary review, research, survey and implementation of management regimes includes Article 4 Directions and other local controls.

We will review proposals for new conservation areas or the extension of existing ones to ensure that their architectural and historic interest is sufficient to warrant designation – and if appropriate make representations on behalf of our clients.

We prepare heritage statements in support of applications for conservation area consent and planning permission where development is proposed. We have a successful and extensive track record in justifying change and securing permission at the local level, and when necessary at planning appeal.

We prepare townscape appraisals and visual impact assessments for proposals that may affect designated views and areas of townscape value as well as the settings of the wide range of heritage assets that often make up our larger urban areas or important rural landscapes. Townscape appraisal also forms the basis for preparing strategies for regeneration and renewal to identify local distinctiveness as a basis for subsequent policy and guidance for private and public sector clients.