Design and Conservation Service

Based in the Distinctiveness and Place Marketing Service Area, the Design and Conservation Service is responsible for the care and protection of historic buildings of architectural or historic interest, conservation areas and the design of the built environment of Chester District.   It has a duty to protect and enhance the historic and built environment for future generations to enjoy.

The activities of the service include :

• advising the Council on the design and historic building implications of development proposals submitted to the Council under planning legislation
• bringing forward suitable buildings for formal protection because of their special architectural and historic interest
• preparing conservation policies
• reviewing the boundaries of conservation areas and bringing forward schemes of enhancement
• dealing with enquiries on conservation matters
• offering expert advice on the proper repair and maintenance of historic buildings
• offering grants to owners of historic buildings to ensure that they are kept in a good state of repair
• promoting interest in the historic building heritage by talks and printed material

The Council has an exemplary record in the conservation of historic buildings and areas and its achievements have been recognised with award of a Europa Nostra ( external link) Medal on two separate occasions. Comprehensive repair programmes began in 1968 and since then the Council has invested considerable resources towards the restoration of a large number of historic buildings within the District.  This has been a key tool in encouraging the preservation of Chester's environment and acts as a multiplier for attracting funds from other sources to enable further repair and restoration to take place.  The prevention of decay and damage of its historic assets is an ongoing process of identification, encouragement and control in which the Council continues to take a particularly active role.

The Design & Conservation Team works closely with the Archaeology, Countryside, Landscape and Development Control Teams to provide an excellent service to our customers.

Service Statement

The Service is responsible for conservation and design of the historic and built environment of Chester District.  The team comprises three professional officers whose aim is to conserve and enhance the historic and built environment of Chester District.

The service objectives are :

• to improve the quality of the historic and built environment to the highest standards
• to conserve historic buildings and areas
• to achieve the best use of available staff and financial resources
• to identify our customers and meet their needs at the right cost and timescale
• to make the public more environmentally aware and raise the profile of Chester as a historic City and District.

The core business of the team is to provide an effective and efficient conservation service for the benefit of all those who live in, work in or visit Chester.

Chester is one of Europe's principal historic cities with unique and irreplaceable assets.  The historic built environment is the key to Chester's economic prosperity and its conservation is a key priority of the Council.

From time to time, grants may be available in specific areas for the reinstatement of historic shopfronts. For further information, please contact the Design & Conservation team

For advice or information please contact us, details below.

Contact Details

Design & Conservation Service

Email - conservation@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402395

Fax - 01244 310071

Address - Design & Conservation Service, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS