Conservation areas

The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 says local authorities must decide which areas they have of special architectural or historic interest, 'the character of appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. These areas are called Conservation Areas.

Derby is a city of considerable historic interest and architectural merit. It has a range of streets and buildings that span many centuries. In an effort to conserve important elements of our built heritage, we have designated sixteen conservation areas.

What Conservation Areas are there in Derby?

Here are details of all the conservation areas in the city. You can view our conservation area boundaries using our online map.

Conservation areas at the heart of the city centre:

• City Centre Conservation Area
• Friar Gate Conservation Area
• Conservation area in St Peter's Street and Green Lane

Conservation areas based on Victorian Derby:

• Railway Conservation Area  
• Arboretum Conservation Area  
• Little Chester Conservation Area  
• Strutts Park Conservation Area  
• Hartington Street Conservation Area
• Highfield Cottages Conservation Area  
• Leylands Conservation Area
• Nottingham Road Conservation Area

Conservation areas centred on former village centres:

• Darley Abbey Conservation Area
• Mickleover Conservation Area  
• Spondon Conservation Area  
• Allestree Conservation Area  
• Markeaton Conservation Area

We have appraisals and management plans for the city centre, Friar Gate and the Railway Conservation Areas.

In October 2009 we produced a guide in conjunction with the Strutt's Park and Little Chester Residents' Associations. This was funded by the Darley neighbourhood ward with advice for residents living in those two conservation areas. Much of the guidance and advice in the guide will also be helpful to residents living in other conservation areas.

There is also special protection for trees within designated Conservation Areas.

How does a Conservation Area affect my property?

There are legal requirements and constraints that apply specifically to conservation areas. We must pay special attention to the 'character' and 'appearance' of these areas when deciding on planning applications.

With the exception of certain buildings, no building in a conservation area can be demolished without consent from us. This is enforced to maintain some of the more ordinary buildings that nevertheless contribute a great deal to the character of the area.

For more information, read our Conservation Area FAQs.

Shop front and advertisements in conservation areas

For information on shop fronts and advertisements, download our Shopfront and Advertisement guide, which has particular relevance in conservation areas.

What advice does the Council get about planning applications in conservation areas?

The government advises local planning authorities to set up Conservation Area Advisory Committees to assist in the development of policy and as a source of advice. We have done this and we acknowledge that expert advice and consultation are vital elements in the protection of the city's heritage.

The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee (CHAC) has regular meetings open to the public and advises on planning applications in relation to designated heritage assets.