Parks, leisure and the arts Parsonage Gardens Conservation Area

Control of development

Development control in Parsonage Gardens is aimed at encouraging development which enhances the prosperity of the area whilst paying attention to its special architectural and visual qualities.

Where the replacement or refurbishment of buildings is contemplated, property owners and developers should be aware of the characteristics which make buildings interesting and ensure that the proposals are designed to respect and relate to them. Building heights vary considerably within the conservation area and heights of proposed developments should be determined by their immediate surrounds and not greatly exceed them.

Most development proposals will require planning permission. Even minor works, such as painting walls of listed buildings, may also require the prior approval of the City Council. Generally, the painting of brick or stone should not be considered, as it adversely affects the character of the building and can accelerate deterioration of the masonry.

Alterations to listed buildings require Listed Buildings Consent. The City Centre Area Team will be willing to give advice on such matters, which should be sought at an early stage, as should advice on any demolition proposals in the conservation area since these also require consent.

As with all new development, each proposal is considered in its context. It may require the preparation of designs shown in relation to an entire street or square, or as viewed down long vistas, especially if seen from the junction of two or more streets.

The urban design context is vital in this and other conservation areas. Designers of proposed buildings should take account of this rather than evolving a design which could be located in Manchester or indeed in any other city.

In line with most of the city centre, not simply conservation areas, new development proposals should generally be aligned with the back of the pavement, in order to preserve the linear character of the streets.

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