Conservation Areas

Local Planning Authorities are obliged to identify areas of special architectural or historic interest where it is important to preserve and enhance their character or appearance.

Twenty three Conservation Areas (.pdf, 12Kb) have been designated in the borough, covering areas as diverse as Wigan and Leigh town centres, residential areas such as Swinley, industrial areas such as Wigan Pier and rural villages such as Astley.

The borough's twenty third Conservation area at Green Hill, Wigan has recently been designated.

The main effects of designating a Conservation Area are to:

  • control demolition of any building, whether it is listed or not;
  • protect trees; and
  • strengthen control over new development, so that it must positively preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area.

Designating a Conservation Area also provides a focus for council and private efforts to improve the environment and enhance the character of the area.

Detailed Conservation Area Character Appraisals are produced to support this process.

We currently have a programme of preparing Appraisals, with a target of full coverage by April 2008. See details of any consultations currently taking place.

The Planning Portal (external link) also provides information on listed buildings and conservation areas.

Further information

Relevant links

Contact Details

Conservation
E-mail conservation@wigan.gov.uk
Opening Hours 8.45 am to 5.00 pm
Phone Number 01942 404254
Fax 01942 404222
Address Wigan Council, Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan, WN1 1RP
Location