For advice on whether your proposal needs planning permission and how to make an application contact the Town Planning Service on (01827) 709281 or email planningadmin@tamworth.gov.uk

For advice on listed buildings, conservation areas or the grant scheme contact the Development Plan and Conservation Officer on (01827) 709278.

Introduction to Conservation in Tamworth

Despite being a town that has seen much development and change as part of a town expansion scheme, Tamworth still retains many historic buildings and areas of significant architectural and historic interest. The need to protect such assets has been recognised through the designation of seven conservation areas and the statutory listing of some 175 buildings throughout the Borough. You can download list descriptions on the right. Stricter planning controls apply within conservation areas and to listed buildings so you should consult the Town Planning Service before starting any work that would alter the character or appearance of a conservation area or listed building. To find out more about the effects of listing a building, click the 'listed buildings' link to the right.

Whilst it is important to protect these buildings and areas from unsympathetic change for their own sake and for the benefit of residents and visitors, the main aim of conservation is not to stifle development. It is important that conservation allows appropriate change to take place that enables the town to grow and develop to meet modern needs. This may involve allowing a new use for a listed building when the old use becomes redundant or redeveloping a large gap site.

The Borough Council is committed to preserving and enhancing the historic environment and aims to be proactive in encouraging good practice amongst owners and occupiers of historic buildings. We offer advice and guidance on what types of development need planning permission, listed building or conservation area consent and are happy to discuss your proposals before you submit an application. Please click on the links to the right for further information about detailed aspects of conservation.

English Heritage is a national organisation which advises the government on matters relating to the historic environment and its conservation. It undertakes a wide range of work, including campaigning on key conservation issues, research and advising local authorities, developers and the public on good conservation practice. For more information on the work of English Heritage please click on the link to the right.

Conservation Grant Scheme

The Council also operates a grant scheme to owners of all listed buildings and historic non-listed buildings within the conservation areas. You may be eligible for financial help towards various works which preserve and enhance the special character of historic buildings. The grant rate varies between 30% and 50% depending on the type of works, but all applications must use traditional materials, modern materials such as plastic windows and gutters are not grant aidable. For further information please contact the Conservation Officer on the number above.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals

The Council has undertaken appraisals of all seven conservation areas in Tamworth, the Amington Green, Amington Hall Estate, Dosthill, Hospital Street, Town Centre, Victoria Road/Albert Road and Wilnecote Conservation Areas.

The aim of the appraisals was to define the special character of each of the conservation areas. Whilst the survival of historic buildings is undoubtedly a very important factor, the appraisals also consider the street layout, the open spaces surrounding them and detailed issues like walls, paving materials and trees. Some areas have suffered more loss of character than others, perhaps through demolition of older buildings and replacement with buildings that do not fit or look right and the appraisals highlight areas where this has happened.

The finished appraisals are available to view from the column on the right. They contain a number of recommendations for the conservation areas, such as boundary amendments, additions to the statutory and local lists and management tools such as Article 4 directions. The appraisals will be used as evidence for the local development framework and to assist in making planning decisions.

The appraisals should be updated on a regular basis, say every five years.

Progress on Character Appraisal Recommendations

The Council has added 29 buildings to the local list and on 2 July 2008 Cabinet approved boundary amendments to five conservation areas, Dosthill, Hospital Street, Town Centre, Victoria Road/Albert Road and Wilnecote. You can view the new boundaries on the right.

The Council has approved a number of Article 4(2) Directions for the Amington Green, Hospital Street, Victoria Road/Albert Road and Wilnecote Conservation Areas.  The Directions are now in force and aim to protect the character and appearance of groups of unlisted houses in the from certain works. The works, which include changing the windows and doors, altering chimney stacks, front walls and gates and building porches, could if unchecked, have a harmful effect on the character of these properties and the conservation area.  You can check which properties are covered by the Directions by clicking on the link on the right.