What Is a Conservation Area?

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, where extra planning controls apply to preserve its character.

What is a conservation area?

A conservation area is a neighbourhood or district that has been designated by the local council as having special architectural or historic interest. The designation means its character and appearance are worth preserving and enhancing.

There are over 10,000 conservation areas in England, covering everything from historic town centres and Georgian squares to Victorian suburbs and rural villages. You can explore conservation areas across the UK on our conservation areas directory.

How does living in a conservation area affect you?

If your property is in a conservation area, you'll face additional planning restrictions:

• Reduced permitted development rights - extensions, cladding, and satellite dishes that would normally be permitted may need planning permission
• Demolition control - you usually need conservation area consent to demolish a building
• Tree protection - you must give the council 6 weeks' notice before carrying out work on trees, even if they don't have a Tree Preservation Order
• Higher design standards - the council will expect new development to preserve or enhance the character of the area
• Materials - proposals may need to use traditional materials (e.g. natural stone, timber windows) rather than modern alternatives

What can you do in a conservation area?

Living in a conservation area doesn't mean you can't make changes. You can still:

• Apply for planning permission for extensions and alterations
• Make internal changes (these don't usually need permission)
• Maintain and repair your property
• Carry out works within permitted development that haven't been removed

The key is that proposals should be sympathetic to the character of the area. Well-designed proposals that use appropriate materials and respect the existing built environment are often approved.

How are conservation areas designated?

Local councils designate conservation areas under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The process involves:

1. Assessing the area's special interest (architectural, historic, or both)
2. Public consultation
3. Formal designation by the council
4. Publication of a conservation area character appraisal

Conservation areas vs listed buildings

Conservation area designation protects the overall character and appearance of an area. Listed building designation protects individual buildings of special interest. A building in a conservation area isn't necessarily listed, and a listed building isn't necessarily in a conservation area - though they often overlap.

Key facts

• Over 10,000 conservation areas exist in England
• Permitted development rights are reduced in conservation areas
• You need consent to demolish buildings in conservation areas
• 6 weeks' notice required for tree work
• New development must preserve or enhance the area's character