Conservation Area Review - Engagement
We are engaging on a series of draft Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. These documents have been prepared as part of our comprehensive review of Cheltenham borough's conservation areas.
Conservation areas are designated for their special architectural or historic interest, which have a particular character or appearance worth preserving or enhancing. As a Local Planning Authority, we should review our conservation areas from time to time.
The current appraisals were last prepared between 2007 to 2009. Since then, planning policy, the built environment and our understanding of local heritage have evolved. This review of Cheltenham’s conservation areas provides an opportunity to ensure that their significance is properly understood and that appropriate guidance is available to help manage change.
What does the review include?
The Conservation Area Review includes:
- Revised Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for the Central Conservation Area (including a review of its existing character areas) and all 'satellite' conservation areas in the borough
- A review of the existing boundaries of all conservation areas and an assessment into whether boundary amendments are needed to reflect architectural and historic significance
- Updated information on heritage significance, character, appearance, and opportunities affecting each area
Central Conservation Area
The Central Conservation Area is substantial, and when last appraised it was divided geographically into 19 separate character areas. This review has determined that there is significant overlap in terms of what makes the 19 character areas special. For that reason, the 2026 review proposes to significantly reduce the number of character areas from 19 to 6, to clearly articulate the shared characteristics which define the Central Conservation Area as a whole.
Following the 2026 review, the Conservation Area Appraisal for the Central Conservation Area will now be made up of seven separate documents. There will be an overview document and an individual character appraisal for each of the 6 character areas which make the Central Conservation Area.
'Satellite' conservation areas
The 'satellite' conservation areas consist of Cudnall Street, Bafford, the Poets (St Mark's), Prestbury, Swindon Village and the St Mary's Conservation Areas that surround the larger Central Conservation Area. These have been reviewed, including proposed boundary changes to several of the designated areas, and an updated character appraisal and management plan.
The draft Park Lane Conservation Area is a new proposed conservation area designation located in the Prestbury ward.
Have your say on our Conservation Area Review
We want to hear from residents, local businesses, parish councils, heritage organisations, local community groups, planning and heritage professionals, and anyone with an interest in the historic environment.
You can give us your comments on the revised guidance, and wider review of Cheltenham's conservation areas.
Any comments will help finalise the preparation of Cheltenham's Conservation Area Review and revised guidance.
We will be accepting feedback until 11.59pm on 11 December 2026.
Conservation area review online feedback form
Whilst we would prefer responses to be submitted through our online form, you can send us comments by emailing [email protected] or writing to Planning Policy, Municipal Offices, Promenade, GL50 9SA