Things To See & Do
Conservation Area
Westbury has quite a significant conservation area with some very attractive historic buildings within it. The Grade I listed All Saints Church sits at the centre of the Westbury conservation area.
What is a conservation area?
A conservation area is described in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.
Most of Wiltshire’s conservation areas are made up of historic parts of towns and villages and under the aforementioned act, the local planning authority (i.e. Wiltshire Council) have a statutory duty to designate and manage conservation areas.
Most conservation areas have a high concentration of historic buildings, many of which are listed. However, the character of a conservation area is not defined by these buildings alone; the landscape setting, scale, location, design features and open spaces also have a large part to play.
What does it mean if I live in a conservation area?
Planning controls are more restrictive within conservation areas. It may be necessary to apply for planning permission for some building works that would normally be considered for permitted development. This includes restrictions on:
- the size of some extensions and garden buildings
- additions and alterations to roofs, including dormers
- cladding the outside of buildings
- satellite dishes in prominent positions
- most hoardings
- illuminated advertisements
- lopping or cutting down of trees
More information can be found on the website Wiltshire Council conservation area
The exact rules can be complex, so it is always best to seek advice from a professional or the local planning authority at Wiltshire Council
For more information on listed buildings in Westbury, take a look at Wiltshire Council website or the National Heritage List for England website
Conservation Area Map
Click on the map to open a PDF version:
Westbury Map 1890
