Site directory

Address

Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas are places identified as having special architectural character or historic interest, which deserve preservation or enhancement.  Many of the historic towns and villages of West Oxfordshire have a distinctive character that is worthy of special protection.  These may contain listed or unlisted buildings, ancient or comparatively recent structures, as well as open spaces, gardens or parkland.

Local Character is particularly marked in West Oxfordshire, where the local oolitic limestone is the dominant material.  It was cut into smooth ashlar facings for the walls of important buildings, laid as coursed facings for the walls or as coursed rubble for less pretentious houses, cottages and barns.  Limestone was burnt in kilns to make quicklime.  When slaked with water, it forms the base for lime mortar, lime plaster and a weatherproofing external limewash.  Limestone was laid dry for boundary walls, and split by the frost into natural slates for roofing.  Only in the far north and south of the district was this supremacy challenged, by ironstone in the north, and by timber framing, elm weatherboarding and brick and tile in the south-east.

The historic settlements of West Oxfordshire owe their charm to the consistency of local materials, and the unfolding pattern of historic building styles.  Buildings appear to have grown together, producing a visual context into which new development must be thoughtfully inserted if it is not to damage the appearance of the existing settlements.

Today a wide range of architectural forms and synthetic materials are available.  These, when juxtaposed with traditional forms and natural materials, often appear alien and out of place.  Unless special care is used in design and choice of materials for new buildings, the character of our historic settlements will be progressively eroded and ultimately lost to future generations.

Effects of Conservation Area Designation

The designation of a Conservation Area does not imply that no further development or change will take place.  However, where new building is to be allowed, it ensures that it is fully in sympathy with the character of the area.  In Conservation Areas, the preservation and enhancement of the area is a consideration in all planning decisions.  Either by development which makes a positive contribution to an area's character or appearance, or by development which leaves character and appearance unharmed.

Planning applications made for development should show how the proposals preserve and enhance the character of the area, and demonstrate that the proposals are in sympathy with the surroundings.  Special attention should be given to the design, scale and use of the materials, so that the existing character of the area is not damaged.

The Planning Service is required to publicise details and invite comments on all planning applications made in Conservation Areas.  This is done by neighbour notifications, consulting the Parish Council, advertising in the local press and by displaying site notices.

Do it online

Go to My West Oxfordshire for all your local information or view all online services

Let us know about any problems with our website

File downloads

View all Publications and register for email alerts when they are updated.

Related pages

See also our related frequently asked questions

Email alert