Conservation Areas
There are twenty-six conservation areas in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. They cover approximately 277 hectares or 7.4% of the Borough and contain almost 6000 postal addresses.
Conservation Area Status and Designation
Conservation areas have a legal status as areas "of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearence of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance" (Planning (Listed Buildings and Conseravtion Areas) Act 1990, Secion 69)
All the streets and buildings in the Royal Borough make some contribution to its historic character. The pattern of their growth, over many centuries, has created numerous local identities, shaping the distinctive townscapes we see today. As a result, with the designation of each conservation area, they have been recognised as having their own 'special character'.
The process for creating a conservation area involves a combination of expert studies and public consultation (including residents, local, regional and national bodies). After these steps have been carried out and the results of the consultation taken on board, the Executive designates a Conservation Area. Subsequent to this all of the consultees are informed of the outcome by letter.
A Conservation Area General Principles Report, which sets out the process in more detail, was taken to Executive on the 16 November 2004. To access this report please refer to the link at the bottom of this page.
The twenty six designated conservation areas in the Royal Borough of Kingston are as follows
- Kingston Old Town
- a) Old Malden (St Johns') b) Old Malden (Plough Green)
- St Andrews' Square
- Southborough
- Liverpool Road
- Fairfield/Knights Park
- Grove Crescent
- Claremont Road
- Surbiton Hill Park
- Oakhill
- Victoria Avenue
- Christchurch
- Richmond Road
- Cadogan Road
- Park Road
- Presburg Road
- Coombe Wood
- The Groves
- Surbiton Town Centre
- Kingston Vale
- Coombe Hill
- Coombe House
- Kingston Hill
- Riverside South
- Riverside North
- Fishponds Park
Each conservation area has its own specific information leaflet that includes a map illustrating the boundary of the conservation area. These leaflets can be accessed on the individual conservation area pages in the navigation bar or via the "Conservation Documents" page link at the bottom of this page.
However, development and change within conservation areas is an inevitable consequence of modern lifestyles and taste. Conservation area controls and policies ensure that their character can be preserved or enhanced, for the continued enjoyment of present and future residents of our historic Royal Borough.
Special Planning Controls and Policies
Conservation area designation means that certain types of work will require approval from the Council, where elsewhere they normally do not. Central Government guides "A Guide for Householders" and "A Guide for Businesses" give detailed information on planning controls. The Council's "Conservation Areas - General guide" explains principles of law and good practice.
Some conservation areas have detailed background information and associated special studies. Additional information and details of these studies can be accessed on the individual conservation area pages in the navigation bar.
There are a number of local and national sources of information on the conservation of the built environment. You can access these sources via the "Resources" link at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, contact a member of the Conservation Team.
Contact a Conservation Officer on 0208547 4706/4652 if you are hoping to: -
- Demolish a main building, garage, outbuilding, or a wall.
- Undertake external alterations or an extension.
- Display a sign or advertisement
- Erect a new building
Contact a Tree Officer on 020 8547 5506 if you are planning to carry out any works to a tree.
Owner Occupiers' Responsibilties
If you are an owner occupier within a conservation area you can help preserve the character of the conservation area by -
- Reading the published guidance and seeking advice from a Conservation Officer several months before you are hoping to start any works.
- Instructing an agent and contractor with experience at carrying out comparable work in a conservation area (see contacts link at the bottom of this page)
- Choosing design forms and materials for new building works, which respect the character of the individual building and the wider area. This may benefit the value of your property.
- Carrying out routine maintenance to your property, outbuildings, walls, fences, gardens and trees, including decorating with appropriate products and retaining or reinstating the architectural features such as brickwork, timber windows, cornices, and architraves.
- Being involved in any local body which has the preservation of the local environment as one of its aims (e.g. a residents association, the Conservation Areas Advisory Committee)
- Responding to any opportunity you may be given to make comments on other people's proposals, or on draft guidance or policies.
Council Responsibilities
The council will preserve or enhance the character of conservation areas by: -
- Paying special attention to the character of each conservation area when making decisions on planning and other types of applications.
- Applying the policies in the Unitary Development Plan (BE3 & BE4), Central Government Guidance, and any adopted Supplemtary Planning Guidance when making decisions on planning and other types of applications.
- Ensuring that the required site and press notices, and consultations are carried out on planning applications.
- Making available expert advice on building conservation and tree matters for land and property.
- Supporting the work of the independent Conservation Areas Advisory Committee who give comments on planning applications and other proposals in conservation areas as an additional source of advice to Officers.
- Ensuring that the special character of each conservation area is understood and published.
- Preparing and publishing policies and proposals for the preservation and enhancement of the secial character of each conservation area.