What a conservation area is

A conservation area is a place recognised for its special architectural or historic interest—where preserving or enhancing its unique character is considered important. These areas are officially designated by the Local Planning Authority (LPA).

If you're unsure whether your property is within a conservation area, it's essential to check with LPA before starting any work. Even minor changes that wouldn’t normally require planning permission might be restricted. Failing to get the proper approvals could result in enforcement action.

What makes a conservation area special

The character of a conservation area is shaped by a rich blend of elements, including:

  • historic buildings and how they relate to one another
  • architectural styles and detailing
  • street layouts and open spaces
  • boundary walls, trees, and greenery
  • views, landmarks, and monuments
  • smaller features like paving, signage, and railings

Together, these features create a distinctive sense of place that’s worth protecting.

Owning and developing land and property within a conservation area

If you live in, or run a business form a conservation are you may need our written consent before making changes which in other areas you may not need permission for, such as:

  • putting in new windows
  • putting up satellite dishes and solar panels
  • adding conservatories or extensions
  • demolishing any buildings or structures (including outbuilding, gates, fences, railings, walls)
  • laying paving or building walls

The conservation area is defined on a map and there may be an Appraisal with it which tells you the story of the area and its special character and interest. We may also have changed the alterations that need permission by making Article 4 Directions. 

Further restrictions may be applied by the through use of Article 4 Directions where a good case can be made:

  • new developments in Conservation Areas must meet high design standards. Proposals should reflect local character, including height, layout, materials, and building style. Early advice from Planning and Conservation Officers is strongly recommended. For more detail, check available Character Appraisals.
  • additional restrictions apply in regard to advertisements. Captive balloon adverts, posters displayed on hoardings around building sites, illuminated advertisements and house builder's flags on building sites require Advertisement Consent. Advertisements must be sympathetic to the character and appearance of the area
  • changes of use which require Planning permission may be considered in terms of the impact such change would have upon the character of a Conservation Area
  • all trees in conservation area, regardless of species, are protected by the conservation area status as long as the trunk diameter is greater than 75mm when measured at 1.5m above ground level. If you are planning to carry out work to any tree(s) within a conservation area you will need to give us 6 weeks notice of the proposed work. During the 6 weeks notice we use this time to decide if the tree(s) should be protected from the proposed work by a Tree preservation order.

Exceptions

The main exceptions to the rule include:

  • any building with a total cubic content not exceeding 115 cubic metres (as ascertained by external measurement) or any part of such a building - with the exception of a pre-1925 tombstone
  • any gate, wall, fence or means of enclosure which is less than 1 metre high where abutting on a highway (including a public footpath or bridleway), waterway or open space, or less than two metres high in any other case
  • any building erected since 1 January 1914 and in use, or last used, for the purposes of agriculture or forestry
  • certain buildings used for industry

There is a general presumption in favour of retaining buildings that make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area. Conversely, the demolition of a building that makes a negative contribution to the area may be welcomed where it offers the opportunity to enhance the character of the area. The easiest and recommended way to apply for demolition in a conservation area is to apply for planning permission online. You need to go to the Planning Portal. Applications submitted without using the Portal will take longer to process.

Within a Conservation Area householder permitted development rights are subject to some restriction. Read the permitted development rights information on the Planning Portal. 

We offer a range of pre-application advice categories depending on the nature and scale of your proposals. If your enquiry is of a more complex nature, we reserve the right to provide a bespoke fee outside of those in the set categories.

Contact Planning

See our contact details, including our response times and the areas we cover.