Understanding Conservation Areas in Staffordshire Moorlands: Cheadle
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
We've heard quite a bit lately about how some parts of Cheadle, especially on the High Street, are in a conservation area. With little being done to improve empty buildings, signage getting more and more garish, plus general scruffiness being discussed by many, we decided to take a look at where the conservation area lies and what can be done to improve the appearance of our 1,000-year-old market town.
There are 14 conservation areas in Staffordshire Moorlands. Cheadle was the first in the area to be completed, and with 75 listed buildings and many more of historical interest, this is something not only of historical value but valuable to local pride and our visitor economy too.
Here is the map of the conservation area for Cheadle:
There was an appraisal done by SMDC which makes interesting reading, showing both the listed buildings, those of interest, and the issues being faced. Interestingly, the report talks of grant funding and the struggles of maintaining the appearance of the area. It doesn't seem that much has improved since the report was written, and the details of the conservation area are being lost. Here's a copy of the report for you to take a look at and perhaps get involved in preserving our beautiful town.
We'll ask for an update on plans for this and let you know what we discover.
Another interesting read is on Historic England's website, where a quick search for Cheadle reveals 75 listed buildings currently - the fourth biggest amount of buildings in the area. There is more detail here and quite a few pictures too.
What is a conservation area?
A conservation area is a region of significant architectural or historic interest, whose character and appearance local authority's are committed to preserving and enhancing. The local authority, in this case, SMDC
Traditional buildings, along with their architectural details, materials, and appearance, are integral to the unique character of each conservation area. Equally important is the relationship between buildings and spaces, the historic layout of street patterns, views, open spaces, trees, and other landscape features including advertising.
Conservation area status does not preclude the need for new development. Instead, it ensures that changes are directed so the new complements the old. SMDC strongly supports retaining existing buildings whenever possible.
How do I find out my property in a conservation area?
You can check to see if your property is in a conservation area on SMDC's Interactive planning map. There are 16 conservation areas within the Staffordshire Moorlands (excluding the Peak District National Park). View a list of all conservation areas and their maps
How do I carry out works to my property if it's in a conservation area?
Surviving historical and architectural details on buildings can make an immense contribution to a conservation area's character and appearance. For this reason, sympathetic repairs are very important. If you live in a conservation area and want to alter, extend or demolish your property, you must check to see if planning permission is required.
Article 4 Directions
Unsympathetic alterations to historical and architectural details can be very damaging to a conservation area, even though you don't always need planning permission to carry them out. The local authority may, remove permitted development rights, or introduce an Article 4 Direction
Article 4 directions already exist in some conservation areas, which means that you would need to apply for planning permission for any minor works. Find out where Article 4 directions are already in place using the Interactive planning map
Protected trees
You should seek advice before felling or cutting back any trees in a conservation area.
Advice and help from SMDC
If you live in a conservation area and need guidance on which alterations may need planning permission, contact SMDC's planning team.
The council has also published a series of design guidance notes to help applicants and owners of historic buildings.
Here is the list of all the conservation areas in Staffordshire Moorlands:
Conservation Area | Date of designation and boundary revisions | Adopted Character Appraisal | Article 4 Direction |
28/02/71 | |||
25/04/72 27/02/93 | |||
03/10/77 | No | No | |
22/06/96 25/01/11 | No | No | |
25/07/70
| No | ||
03/03/70 19/12/92 | |||
25/07/70
| No | ||
21/04/77
| No | ||
25/11/72 27/02/93 | |||
24/04/2018 | No | ||
22/11/70
| |||
21/04/77 27/02/93
| |||
27/07/70 17/06/89 17/12/94 27/11/04 11/12/2013 | |||
20/07/2016
| |||
20/07/2016
| |||
25/11/72 27/02/93 | No | ||
19/09/98
| No | No |
Understanding Conservation Areas in Staffordshire Moorlands: Cheadle created 7th April 2026
