Conservation areas and advice

Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest where it is desirable to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of such areas.

Areas of cultural or historical importance

Areas that include important examples of our social, cultural and aesthetic history must be safeguarded from indiscriminate or ill-considered change. These areas often contain listed buildings. However, it is not always enough to protect these buildings in isolation. Their surroundings and general environment are often of equal importance and conservation areas are intended to protect that environment. Planning has a responsibility to ensure that the character of these areas is not diminished in our lifetime.

Living in a conservation area

The designation of a conservation area indicates Planning’s positive commitment to these areas and its intention to preserve and enhance the quality of the environment. It is important that all new development in conservation areas should be sympathetic to the special architectural and aesthetic qualities of the area, particularly in terms of scale, design, materials and space between buildings. Planning has statutory powers to control changes within conservation areas and these are summarised as follows:

Demolition of buildings

Conservation area consent is required from Planning for the demolition of any unlisted building in a conservation area.

Demolition Advice

Trees

If you wish to fell, lop or top or uproot trees within a conservation area, consent is required from Planning. It is an offence to carry out the works without consent.

Tree management and preservation

Satellite dishes

The siting of a satellite dish on a chimney, wall or roof slope which faces onto, and is visible from, a road requires planning permission. Planning permission is also required on a building which exceeds 15 metres in height.

Design of new development

A very high standard of design which is sympathetic to the existing environment is required when submitting a planning application within a conservation area. New development must make a positive contribution to the character of the area. In view of this, Planning can require additional information in support of any planning application showing how the proposal will relate to the conservation area. This can mean the submission of elevations of adjacent buildings, full details of the proposal and examples of materials and colours.

Apply to carry out building work on a property in a conservation area

Many of our cities, towns and villages contain areas of architectural or historic interest. A number of these have been designated conservation areas.

The importance of Conservation Areas - Planning website

The ultimate success of conservation areas will depend upon the care which individual owners take with the maintenance and repair of their properties and in any alterations or extensions they make.