Review of the Dorchester-on-Thames and Overy Conservation Areas

This review has now concluded and the conservation area appraisal document and revised boundary has been adopted. Please see the cabinet report which summarises the consultation responses and the resulting changes to the draft appraisal.

We are working on producing a final draft which will shortly be found on our conservation areas page.

In the meantime, you can still view the consultation draft appraisal document.

The village’s conservation area is the designated area of special architectural or historic interest which exists to protect the features and characteristics that make Dorchester a historic, unique and distinctive place.

Property and land in the conservation area is covered by extra planning controls which help to protect the setting and provide a guard against inappropriate work. Most demolition works will require planning permission, there are restrictions on permitted development and advertising; and trees are also better protected.

Why have we reviewed the conservation area?

It is a requirement that all councils coordinate and publish appraisals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas and that these proposals are reviewed from time to time.

We last reviewed the Dorchester and Overy Conservation Areas in 2005. As part of their recently reviewed neighbourhood plan, Dorchester Parish Council revised their previous area appraisal documents and identified new areas for inclusion. We have a statutory duty to consult the public on this new document before it is adopted.