(1)Every local planning authority shall from time to time determine which parts of their area are areas of special, architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and shall designate such areas as conservation areas.
(2)The Secretary of State may, after consultation with a local planning authority, give to that authority such directions as he thinks necessary with respect to the exercise of their functions under subsection (1) of this section; and it shall be the duty of the authority to comply with any such directions.
(3)Before making a determination under this section, a local planning authority in Greater London shall consult with the other local planning authority or authorities for the area to which the proposed determination relates, and a local planning authority outside Greater London shall consult with the council of each county district of which any part is included in that area.
(4)The local planning authority shall give notice to the Secretary of State of the designation of any conservation area, and of any variation or cancellation of any such designation, with sufficient particulars to identify the area affected, and shall cause the like notice to be published in the London Gazette and in at least one newspaper circulating in the area of the local planning authority.
(5)Where any area is for the time being designated as a conservation area, special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing its character or appearance in the exercise, with respect to any buildings or other land in that area, of any powers under this Act, Part I of the [1953 c. 49.] Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 or the [1962 c. 36.] Local Authorities (Historic Buildings) Act 1962.
(6)The local planning authority for the purpose of this section shall, in Greater London, be the Greater London Council and also, in relation to a London borough, the council of that borough.