Planning guidance in a conservation area

The success of a conservation area depends in part upon the care that individual owners take with the maintenance and repair of their properties and in any alterations they make. For example, original windows and doors should be maintained and repaired, only seeking high quality replacement when originals are beyond reasonable repair. Cumulatively, even small changes can detract from the special character of an area.

Please see the attached information sheet for further information on this.

If your proposal involves demolition work, it is possible that you will require planning permission from the council. Please note that the demolition of an unlisted building in a conservation area, without the consent of the Local Planning Authority is a criminal offence.

In a conservation area, you need planning permission for changes to buildings which would normally be permitted. Changes requiring consent include cladding a building, inserting dormer windows, or putting up a satellite dish visible from the street.

A guidance note has been compiled to advise home owners on the appropriate repair and eventual replacement of historic windows.

Planning permission is also required for the taking down of any wall, gate or fence which is at least 1 metre high where abutting a highway, or at least 2 metres in height elsewhere.

Trees in conservation areas are often a very important feature and contribute to the overall character of the area. Special controls on trees exist to help preserve the character.

Find out more at our Tree Preservation Order (TPO) section.

For more information see our Listed buildings and local register section.

Please note there is no longer a requirement to obtain a separate Conservation Area Consent for demolition of buildings within the Conservation Area, however there still remains a requirement to obtain Planning Permission for demolition of buildings and structures.

The Government's planning policies on the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment are set out within the National Planning Policy Framework. This describes the approach and extent of understanding that is required, by applicants, to inform proposals that may affect a designated heritage asset.

These appraisals are descriptions of the history and character of the areas as they are now, and include what has happened since the areas were originally designated. This information can often help residents and applicants to consider what the best solution may be when considering new development. The documents can also guide applicants and agents producing Design and Access Statements that describe the significance of heritage assets that may be affected by the proposals.