Conservation Areas
There are currently 36 Conservation Areas in Oldham. The Council, as Local Planning Authority, is obliged to identify areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is important to preserve or enhance. Designating a conservation area is a statement of intent by the Council to protect and, where possible, improve upon its special qualities.
Designation does not preclude new development or alterations to existing buildings but the Council does have a duty to ensure that any new development enhances or, at the very least, does not harm the character or appearance of the area.
For example, in addition to normal planning controls, consent is required to demolish buildings and other structures while houses within conservation areas do not enjoy the same permitted development rights as those outside.
Most owners of listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas are pleased at the recognition that their properties form an important part of our heritage, and can also add to the value of residential property.
What does conservation area status involve?
Additional planning controls apply in conservation areas so it is always advisable to check with Planning Services before starting work. In designating a Conservation Area a local planning authority is able to ensure that:
- Any new development is controlled, so that it positively preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the area;
- Demolition of any building, is controlled (whether listed or not);
- Trees are protected through the prior notification of any work to trees in the area. (see ‘Protected trees’)
Conservation Area Character Appraisals
All conservation areas have specific architectural or historic interest which was identified when the areas were designated. The Oldham Unitary Development Plan (UDP), which guides development in the Borough, recognises that the aim of conservation area designation is more likely to be fulfilled if there is detailed agreement and understanding of the particular characteristics of an area which contribute to its special identity. The Council has therefore undertaken, as resources permit, to draw up character appraisals for all the conservation areas in the Borough.
The appraisals analyse the different qualities of each conservation area that make up its unique character, and have several different uses:
- They will be distributed to all properties in the conservation area to promote understanding amongst residents and businesses of the special character of the area. This is because local distinctiveness is often eroded by numerous small unsympathetic changes that do not necessarily require permission, rather than by new large developments. As a result, the responsibility for preserving and enhancing the character of the area is shared between the local authority and all residents and businesses.
- The character appraisals will guide the local authority in making decisions on applications for planning permission or conservation area consent, and provide additional justification in resisting unsuitable proposals. All new developments will need to preserve or enhance the character of a conservation area as it is described in the relevant appraisal.
- The Council will use the framework provided by the appraisals to draw up, as resources permit, Enhancement Schemes to improve the appearance of the conservation areas.
Currently only the Oldham Town Centre, Delph and Grasscroft appraisals have been published, with others scheduled to follow.
Conservation Area enhancements
Uppermill Square renovation scheme
In order to restore the historic quality and role of the Square, and improve pedestrian safety, a streetscape improvement scheme was undertaken during 2000. This involved the refurbishment of the footways and shared pedestrian/vehicle areas in natural stone, and the resurfacing of the main carriageway.
The design included rationalising parking on Chapel Street and fronting 91-101 High Street, and substantially reducing clutter in the Square caused by vehicles and street furniture.
The scheme represented an opportunity to improve the quality and restore the historic role of the Square and funding from English Heritage’s Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) supported works.
Before the transformation:
After the work was completed:
Historic Environment Records
You can find details of Conservation Areas by searching the Historic Environment Records here.