Website of the UK government

Protecting conservation areas

One in seven of England’s roughly 9,300 conservation areas is at risk of neglect, decay or damaging change, the latest edition of English Heritage’s Risk register has shown.

The top threats include:

• plastic windows and doors
  
• poorly maintained roads and pavements
  
• street clutter
  
• loss of front garden walls, fences and hedges
  
• unsightly satellite dishes
  
• the effects of traffic calming or traffic management
  
• alterations to the fronts, roofs and chimneys of buildings
  
• unsympathetic extensions
  
• the impact of advertisements
  
• neglected green spaces

Conservation Areas at Risk campaign

Based on the findings of the survey, English Heritage is launching a Conservation Areas at Risk campaign to get residents, local groups and councils working together to improve these special places before it is too late.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “Millions of us live in, work in, pass through or visit conservation areas. They are the centres of historic towns and villages, 1930s suburbs, rural idylls or estates of industrial workers’ cottages: the local heritage which gives England its distinctiveness.

“Well-cared for they encourage good neighbourliness, give a boost to the local economy and will continue to be a source of national pride and joy for generations to come.”

Further information

• Conservation areas and advice

• English Heritage Opens new window