Conservation areas are a form of area-level heritage protection that preserves the character of places of special architectural or historic interest. They differ from listed building protection in that they cover all buildings and features within a defined geographical area rather than individual structures.

How Conservation Areas Are Designated

Local planning authorities have the power and duty to designate conservation areas under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The designation is made when the authority determines that an area has special architectural or historic interest worthy of preservation and enhancement. Once designated, the authority must manage the area with this objective in mind. There are over ten thousand conservation areas in England, covering town centres, historic villages, parks, and residential areas of architectural significance.

Effects on Permitted Development

In a conservation area, permitted development rights that would otherwise apply to residential properties are restricted in several ways. Cladding the exterior of a house with stone, artificial stone, pebble dash, render, timber, plastic, or tiles requires planning permission in a conservation area, where it would be permitted development elsewhere. Adding a satellite dish on a chimney or wall fronting a highway requires consent. Enlarging a house by adding a side extension is not permitted development in a conservation area; it requires planning permission.

Demolition in Conservation Areas

Demolishing a building within a conservation area requires Conservation Area Consent from the local planning authority. This applies to all buildings within the area, not just those that are individually listed. The authority assesses whether the demolition would harm the character of the conservation area before granting consent.

Trees in Conservation Areas

Trees in conservation areas are automatically protected. Before carrying out any works to a tree in a conservation area, including felling, pruning, or lopping, you must give the local planning authority six weeks' notice. The authority can respond by making a Tree Preservation Order to protect the specific tree. Works can proceed after six weeks if the authority does not object, or sooner if consent is granted.

Summary

A conservation area is a locally designated area of special architectural or historic character. Designation restricts permitted development, requires consent for exterior cladding and some extensions, requires consent for demolition of buildings, and protects trees. The local planning authority manages the area with preservation and enhancement of its character as the objective. Conservation Area Appraisals describe the valued character elements and inform planning decisions within each designated area.