Conservation areas

Designated Conservation areas give protected status to protect or enhance their appearance or character because they have special historical or architectural interest.

There are 30 conservation areas in South Lanarkshire.

Conservation Area Appraisals have been prepared for New Lanark and Falls of Clyde, and Rutherglen Conservation Area. A Conservation Area Appraisal, Management Plan, and Design Guide have been prepared for the Strathaven Conservation Area.

New Lanark Conservation Area is also part of a World Heritage Site. The New Lanark World Heritage Site Management Plan is currently being reviewed. We have made a determination that a strategic environmental assessment is required for the refreshed plan.

More information and a Guide to Conservation Areas in Scotland can be found on the Scottish Government website.

The Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) has been prepared by Historic Environment Scotland, and it contains policies and principles that set out how the historic environment should be managed and looked after.  It is a material planning consideration in making decisions on planning applications which affect the historic environment.