What Is a Conservation Area
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What Is a Conservation Area?
A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic character designated by the local planning authority. Designation restricts certain types of development and protects the area's character.Conservation areas are one of the two main tools of heritage protection in England, alongside listed buildings. They protect the character of places rather than individual buildings, and apply a range of planning controls across all properties within the designated boundary.
Purpose and Designation
Conservation areas are designated by local planning authorities under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The Act places a duty on local authorities to designate as conservation areas any areas of special architectural or historic interest whose character or appearance is worth preserving or enhancing. The designation is based on the cumulative quality of the built environment, the relationship between buildings, spaces, trees, and other features, and the historical associations of the area, rather than on the special interest of any single building.
Planning Restrictions in Conservation Areas
Within a conservation area, certain permitted development rights that would apply in an unconstrained area are removed or restricted. The specific restrictions vary by area and local authority, but commonly include restrictions on cladding the external surfaces of houses with materials different from the original, restrictions on adding satellite dishes to chimneys or walls facing a highway, restrictions on building side extensions, and requirements for consent before demolishing any building in the area. The local authority can also add further Article 4 Directions that remove additional permitted development rights where necessary to protect the character of the area.
Trees in Conservation Areas
All trees in a conservation area are automatically protected. Anyone wishing to carry out work to a tree, including pruning, felling, or lopping, must give the local planning authority six weeks' written notice before starting. The authority can respond by making a Tree Preservation Order to protect the tree. Failure to give notice or carrying out unapproved work to a protected tree is a criminal offence.
Conservation Area Appraisals
Most conservation areas have a Conservation Area Appraisal produced by the local authority. This document describes the special character of the area, identifies what contributes to that character, and sets out the principles that guide planning decisions within the area. Reading the appraisal for a specific conservation area is the best way to understand what is and is not likely to be approved within it.
Living in a conservation area does not mean you cannot alter or extend your home. It means that certain changes require planning permission that would not be needed outside the area, and that the planning authority will assess those changes against the character and appearance of the area. Good design that respects the character of the conservation area can be approved; poor design that harms the character is unlikely to be.
Summary
A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest designated by the local planning authority. Designation restricts certain permitted development rights, requires consent for demolition, and protects trees. Planning decisions within the area are assessed against the preservation and enhancement of its character. Conservation Area Appraisals describe what is valued and guide both applicants and decision-makers on appropriate development within each area.
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