Conservation Areas

Conservation areas are designated by local authorities to protect areas of special architectural or historic interest. Planning applications within conservation areas may face additional restrictions and requirements.

Search Conservation Areas

Check if a property is in a conservation area

Enter a postcode above to see nearby conservation areas shown on an interactive map with boundary polygons.

What is a Conservation Area?

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Local planning authorities designate conservation areas under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. There are over 10,000 conservation areas in England.

What Conservation Area Status Means for Planning

• Permitted development rights are restricted - Some changes that would normally not require planning permission do need it within a conservation area, including certain types of cladding, satellite dishes, and extensions.
• Demolition requires consent - You generally need planning permission to demolish a building in a conservation area.
• Trees are protected - You must give the local planning authority six weeks' notice before carrying out work on trees in a conservation area.
• Design scrutiny - Planning applications within conservation areas are assessed more carefully to ensure proposals preserve or enhance the area's character.

Results

Results display conservation area name, local planning authority, and designation date. Areas are shown on an interactive map with boundary polygons. Data is sourced from Historic England's official spatial datasets.