We are extremely fortunate to live in a beautiful and relatively unspoilt part of the country. The special nature of the area is recognised at both district and national level and measures exist to protect and enhance both the landscape and built environment. These measures may restrict what development work is allowed. 

St. Bartholomew, a Grade 1 Listed Building in the Fingest Conservation Area

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The whole of the parish lies within the Chilterns AONB. AONBs receive the highest status of protection for their landscape and scenic beauty, equal to National Parks.

Planning authorities have a legal duty to "have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB" and the presumption is that no development, minor or major, should be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that it fulfils this purpose.

Our AONB is looked after by the Chilterns Conservation Board and they have prepared advice, including the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and various technical notes, to help householders and landowners make well-informed choices when considering making changes to their properties or land. The advice covers all aspects of building renovation, extensions, appropriate materials, outbuildings, boundary treatments etc. 

Conservation Areas 

Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest which are considered worthy of preservation or enhancement. They are designated by the District Council under the provisions of Section 69 of the Planning (listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Designation of a conservation area gives broader protection than the listing of individual buildings. All the features, listed or otherwise, within the area, are recognised as part of its character. Conservation area designation is the means of ensuring that planning decisions address the quality of the landscape in its broadest sense.

Changes to the external appearance of a building in a conservation area may require planning permission from the local planning authority that is not required elsewhere as some permitted development rights are curtailed. 

Any work planned to a tree in a conservation area must be notified to the local planning authority six weeks in advance so that the local planning authority may determine whether or how the work to the tree should take place. 

Under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) conservation areas are designated heritage assets and their conservation is to be given great weight in planning permission decisions.  

Historic England provides useful guidance within the following links:  

We have six Conservation Areas within the Parish. Descriptions and maps for each of these can be found here: 

National Trust Covenant

This is a legal agreement made in 1944 between the then Lord Hambleden and the National Trust, and known as the Greenlands Covenant and covers land and buildings belonging to the Hambleden Estate. The purpose of the covenant is to provide permanent protection and preservation of the architectural character and rural integrity of the area. This does not mean that no change is possible, however it does mean that the National Trust must be consulted before any change is made to the external appearance of any building covered by the covenant. Alterations to buildings will, generally, require a formal application for consent to the Architectural Panel of the National Trust. A fee will be charged for this. Enquiries should be directed to: 

National Trust Chilterns Hub, Prospect House, Crendon Street, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 6LA

E: lse.customerenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk  |  T: 01494 443813
 

Click here to see the Greenlands Covenant Area Map