Conservation areas

Local authorities have a duty to designate areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

This is achieved through the use of Conservation Areas in the historic parts of towns and villages, and there are currently 29 of these in our district. Administration of the law relating to development within these Conservation Areas lies with us.

In Wakefield we have a variety of types ranging from city centre conservation areas to conservation areas covering rural hamlets.

Instead of protecting an individual building, a conservation area seeks to preserve an area's whole character. This character may be made up of:

• Buildings
• Spaces between buildings
• Views
• Paving materials
• Trees and boundary features.

Designation brings with it a number of controls including:

• Control over the demolition of buildings
• Strengthened controls over minor development
• Special provision for the protection of trees

The objective of these measures is to provide for the preservation and enhancement of the special interest of the place. The intention is not to stifle change, but to provide for the positive management of these unique areas.

Trees in Conservation Areas are afforded special protection.

These Conservation area maps show the location of the conservation areas within the Wakefield district

The Article 4 Directions PDF document explains about Article 4 directions which apply in some Conservation Areas

Properties affected by Article 4 designation PDF

This Living in a Conservation Area PDF document explains the planning constraints associated with living a conservation area

Conservation area appraisals

The Council is undertaking a programme of conservation area appraisals. These appraisals assess the special character of a conservation area and justify its designation.

The Conservation areas are

• Button Park Appraisal
• Lower Westgate Appraisal
• Pontefract Market Place Appraisal
• Pontefract Castle Appraisal
• Sandal Castle Appraisal
• South Parade Appraisal
• St John's Appraisal
• The Mount Appraisal
• Upper Westgate Appraisal
• Wakefield Cathedral Appraisal
• Wentworth Terrace Appraisal

Linked to each of the above are management guidelines which include policies for the protection and enhancement of that special character. This process enables a clear understanding of what is special about an area and helps inform and support decisions regarding development.