A conservation area is defined as 'an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance.'
We are required by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, to determine which parts of our area should be safeguarded due to their architectural or historic interest to ensure that any new development pays respect to or enhances their character. Such areas are designated as conservation areas.
Designation offers statutory protection to conservation areas in order to protect their character as described below:
- control over demolition of buildings and structures
- control over the lopping and felling of trees
- defining the characteristics which need to be protected, including spaces between buildings
- financial assistance, where appropriate, for works of repair and restoration
- appropriate controls over advertising
- implementation of enhancement schemes
Designation does not prevent new building in the area.
If you intend to have work carried out on a property in a conservation area this will often require an application for planning permission to the Council. The extent of planning controls vary between different conservation areas and if you are in any doubt as to whether the work you are proposing requires an application, you should contact us for advice.
Article 4 directions
Some of the conservation areas in East Ayrshire are subject to Article 4 directions, which means that planning permission may be required for types of development that would normally fall under permitted development rights.
Conservation Area Maps
The following are designated conservation areas in East Ayrshire. Download the area maps to view the conservation area (shown within red lines).
Conservation area maintenance