Blackheath was one of the first conservation areas in the country and was designated in 1968. Since then the boundaries have been amended a number of times, most recently in 2001.
Today the conservation area extends from the village in the east, almost to Lewisham in the west, as far as Lee High Road to the south as well as across the borough boundary into the Blackheath part of Greenwich.
Being such a large conservation area, Blackheath has a diverse character, the core of which focuses on the wide open heath adjoining Greenwich’s conservation areas and world heritage site.
The grand houses around the heath date from as early as the 1680s, but are mostly later 18th century Georgian. The village contains many well preserved shops in buildings of varying Georgian and Victorian styles rising from the station to the heath.
Further west, the urban character gives way to Edwardian suburban housing. The character of the area is also enhanced by a number of well designed modern buildings.
Conservation area documents
The Council has drafted a character appraisal and a management plan for the conservation area which was made available for public consultation in September and October 2006.
The documents are currently being revised to take into account comments received. The final versions have been adopted and are in the process of being published.