The National Park is home to a wide range of important architecture: Norman castles and mediaeval farmhouses, concentrations of 17th and 18th century buildings within the main settlements, and a scatter of very fine rural buildings which often retain original features such as stone tiles, screens and mullioned windows.
There are 5 Conservation Areas in the National Park. Brecon, Crickhowell, Llangattock, Hay-on-Wye and Talgarth.
Development in Conservation Areas is more carefully controlled than elsewhere, with the intention not to prevent change, but to ensure that the important character of the area is conserved and that new development respects the distinctive character of the Conservation Area. The Planning (Listed and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 places a duty on Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to review and consider boundary revisions to their Conservation Areas from 'time to time'. As part of this review we have undertaken Conservation Area Appraisals for Talgarth and Brecon, with the others planned for the future.
The National Park Authority consulted on the Draft Conservation Area Appraisal for Brecon between the 7th February 2012 and 27th March 2012. The Appraisal document sets out the features that contribute the the distinctive character of Brecon Conservation Area and identifies opportunities for its conservation and enhancement.
As a result of the Conservation Area Appraisal, Members approved an extension to the Conservation Area boundary. Details of the Appraisal and the extended Conservation Area area available to download below.
The National Park has recently consulted on the draft Conservation Area Appriasal for Talgarth. The consultation ran from the 10th July to the 31st August 2010.
Revisions to the Talgarth Conservation area were approved by the NPA. Details of Conservation Area Appraisal and extended conservation area are available to download below.
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The Park’s ecclesiastical architecture is also very rich, with Brecon Cathedral, many important medieval churches and some early Nonconformist chapels.
The NPA offers advice and some grant aid, supporting the use of traditional styles, techniques and materials such as lime mortar, oak window frames and authentic paint colours. We work hard to ensure that the heritage of the past is conserved and handed down as far as possible, balancing this with the needs of present and future generations
Buildings are protected by
Following consultation the Authority approved the Shop Front Design Guide for use in the determination of planning applications.
The design guide provides further detail on the practical interpretations and implementation of policies G3, G5, G6, Q13, Q14, Q16, Q17, Q18 and Q19 in relation to the design of new shop fronts.
The approved document is available to download here