Portswood Residents Gardens Conservation Area forms a distinctive residential development in the inner suburbs of Southampton. Roughly diamond-shaped, it is bounded on the north-west and south-west by Brookvale Road where it abuts the Uplands Estate (Highfield) Conservation Area and touches the Oakmount Triangle Conservation Area. On the north-east side, Highfield Lane provides the boundary while the back gardens of the houses in lower Abbotts Way and Russell Place mark the south-eastern limits. Access to the interior of the CA is provided by Russell Place and Abbotts Way.
A Conservation Area Appraisal was produced after significant consultation and input from local residents. It includes a description of the character of the area and key features, its history and development. The special architectural and historical character of the area is therefore recognised. As a consequence, planning applications are now decided with regard to the need to preserve or enhance the area’s character or appearance.
The City Council also recognised that permitted development rights to extend or alter houses could erode the character of the Conservation Area and decided to strengthen the level of planning control over minor works by making an Article 4 (2) Direction.
Please note that since the adoption of the Management Plan the Government has amended that part of the General Development Order dealing with the requirement to seek planning permission for the erection of solar panels within Conservation Areas. Planning permission is now only required if the panels will stand proud of the roof by 200mm or more, otherwise they are considered permitted development unless specifically excluded under an Article 4 Direction.
A link to the Character Appraisal and Management Plan is at the foot of this page.
Southampton City Council
