Character appraisal of green college conservation area and management plan - Essay Example

Conservation area is the government’s solution to save the English heritage sites that are at most risk of being lost in perpetuity (Heritage at Risk 2012). Development brings change. In the case of designated conservation areas, change is still inevitable. This important designation promotes change using manageable strategies that enhance the area and ensures that the new developments do not harm its present character recognised for the area’s special buildings and historic interest. This is implemented by giving additional controls over the demolition of buildings, minor developments and the loss of trees (A guide to living in a conservation area 2012; Effects of Conservation Area Designation 2012).

Understanding the significance of historic buildings, streets and spaces is of utmost importance thus, assessment and recognition of historic areas are vital to the planning process. Including property in a conservation area benefits its character and tends to sustain property values due to the extra protection from insensitive development (Effects of Conservation Area Designation 2012). To provide an overview of planning policies and propose management guidelines that will ensure the preservation and protection of the characters of College Green conservation area in the myriad forms of urban development occurring within Bristol.

The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 is the Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom that empowered the designation of Conservation Areas and allowed the planning permission that relates to Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. These are the sections relevant to Conservation Areas: “Section 69 (1) Every Council—(a) shall from time to time determine which parts of their area are areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and (b) shall designate those