Conservation areas are defined as areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

The council has a duty to determine from time to time which parts of its area are of special interest and designate them as conservation areas. The decision to designate a proposed conservation area rests with the council; however, it must consult with the local community prior to designation and have regard to the representations received. Designation does not prevent change but is intended to provide the basis for the positive management of an area and for planning authorities to bring forward proposals for their preservation or enhancement.

There are 12 such areas within the borough that generally contain a high proportion of surviving historic buildings or are particularly attractive in appearance. They are designated because of their special architectural or historic interest. The council has produced character appraisals and management plans for each conservation area that assess and define what makes them so special.

Church Close - within town centre

Development controlled by conservation area designation includes:

• new development (eg, construction of new buildings)
• extensions and alterations of existing buildings
• the demolition of existing buildings and structures – demolition requires conservation area consent
• the siting of advertisements
• the installation of solar panels and wind turbines
• the siting of satellite dishes
• works to trees requiring notice to be given to the council
• minor developments (such as stone cladding or hard standings)

Article 4 Directions

The Council can impose Article 4 Directions which restrict some of the normal permitted development rights for properties, this is usually but not exclusively in connection with a Conservation Area designation. This means that the properties covered by the Article 4 Direction will have to apply for planning permission for works which in other areas would not require planning permission.

In Chesterfield there are four Article 4 Directions in force:

• Abercrombie Street conservation area
• Barrow Hill conservation area
• Town centre conservation area
• Upper Newbold Close/Moorhay Close and Water Meadow Lane

The documents below list details each of the four Article 4 Directions, setting out what permitted development rights have been removed or restricted and which properties this relates to, this is either shown in a list or on a map: 

Abercrombie Street Conservation Area Map	(PDF 295 KB)
Abercrombie Street Appraisal	(PDF 4.43 MB)
Barrow Hill Conservation Area Map	(PDF 142 KB)
Barrow Hill Appraisal	(PDF 11.22 MB)
Brimington Conservation Area Map	(PDF 284 KB)
Brimington Appraisal	(PDF 2.4 MB)
Chatsworth Road Adopted Conservation Area Map	(PDF 1.06 MB)
Chatsworth Road Appraisal	(PDF 16.44 MB)
Church Close Conservation Area Map	(PDF 114 KB)
Newbold Eyre Chapel Conservation Area Map	(PDF 235 KB)
Newbold Eyre Chapel Appraisal	(PDF 6.64 MB)
Old Whittington Conservation Area Map	(PDF 202 KB)
Old Whittington Appraisal	(PDF 1.03 MB)
Queens Park Conservation Area Map	(PDF 236 KB)
Queens Park Appraisal	(PDF 1.43 MB)
Somersall Conservation Area Map	(PDF 193 KB)
Somersall Appraisal	(PDF 4.41 MB)
Spencer Street Conservation Area Map	(PDF 106 KB)
Spencer Street Appraisal	(PDF 908 KB)
Staveley Appraisal	(PDF 2.65 MB)
Staveley Conservation Area Map	(PDF 175 KB)
Town Centre Appraisal	(PDF 2.62 MB)
Town Centre Conservation Area Map	(PDF 777 KB)
Abercrombie Street Map Of The Article 4 Area	(PDF 242 KB)
Town Centre Map Of The Article 4 Area	(PDF 189 KB)
Barrow Hill Map Of The Article 4 Area	(PDF 194 KB)
Article 4 Direction Upper Newbold Close	(PDF 71 KB)
Article 4 Direction Town Centre Page One And Two	(PDF 454 KB)
Article 4 Direction Justification Town Centre	(PDF 80 KB)
Article 4 Direction Barrow Hill	(PDF 72 KB)
Article 4 Direction Abercrombie Street	(PDF 75 KB)
Town Centre Article 4 Colour Guide For Painting	(PDF 97 KB)