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 Manager on (01827)
709279.
Introduction to Conservation in Tamworth
Despite being a town that has seen much development and change
Tamworth still retains many historic buildings and areas of
significant architectural and historic interest. The need to
protect these assets has been recognised through the designation of
seven conservation areas and the statutory listing of some
175 buildings
throughout the borough. Maps showing the
conservation areas and the list
descriptions can be downloaded here.
Stricter planning controls apply within conservation areas and
to listed buildings. Please consult the Town Planning Service
before starting any work that would alter the character or
appearance of a conservation area or listed building.
The main aim of conservation is not to stifle development, it is
important that conservation allows appropriate change to take place
while enables the town to grow and develop.
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 on the right for
further information about detailed aspects of conservation.
English Heritage is a national organisation which 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. The grant
rate varies between 30% and 50% depending on the type of works, but
all applications must use traditional materials. For further
information please contact the Conservation Officer on the number
above.
Conservation Area Character Appraisals
The Council has appraised all seven conservation areas in
Tamworth. The appraisals describe how the conservation areas have
developed over time and define what it is about them that
makes them special, such as the quality of the buildings, street
layout, open spaces and land uses. You can view
the finished appraisals here.
The Council has implemented a number of the recommendations,
including adding buildings to the Local List,
amending conservation area boundaries and
implementing Article 4 Directions (see
below). The Council intends to undertake management plans for
each conservation area, starting with the Town Centre and Victoria
Road/Albert Road Conservation Areas.
Article 4 Directions
Where the Council considers that groups of houses in
conservation areas have retained a high proportion of historic
features such as windows, doors and front garden
walls, it can serve an Article 4 Direction to prevent the loss
or change of these features. A number of houses throughout the
borough are now subject to Article 4 Directions, which means that
planning permission is now needed to change the features
covered by the Direction.
We undertook public consultation throughout the process and the
Directions are registered as a Local Land Charge against the
property. The full Article 4
Directions can be viewed here, which show the
properties affected and explain the features covered.