Protecting the character of local areas

Planning controls in conservation areas

Conservation areas are designated by local planning authorities. This is to protect an area's special character and appearance.

Conservation areas vary in size and character. They may be small groups of buildings (often listed) to town squares, suburbs or even open spaces.

Conservation areas are subject to many additional planning controls.

Small domestic extensions often do not need planning permission. But will if they're in a conservation area.

Other controls relate to:

You need to give us six weeks notice in writing for work to, or felling of, trees more than 75mm in diameter.

You will always need planning permission for the:

total or a large demolition of a building measuring more than 115 cubic metres
demolition of a gate, fence, wall or railing over one metre high next to a highway (including a public footpath or bridleway) or public open space. Or over two metres high elsewhere

Find out about conservation area appraisals

If the character of a conservation area is under threat, we may introduce an 'Article 4 Direction'.

This will remove certain additional permitted development rights. For example, the replacement of windows, doors and roofing materials.

We have introduced many of these directions.