Planning controls in conservation areas

As well as the normal planning rules, extra protections apply in conservation areas to help look after their special character and appearance. These include controls over the demolition of buildings and work to trees with a trunk diameter of more than 75mm (3 inches), measured 1.5 metres (4 feet) above ground level.

If your property is a listed building, you will usually need listed building consent for any works that affect its character or appearance, both inside and out. Our offices can provide a helpful leaflet explaining what this means in practice.

Planning legislation can be complex and does change from time to time, so we strongly recommend contacting us for the most up-to-date advice before starting any work.

Within a National Park, planning controls on householders are broadly the same as those which apply in conservation areas. Where we consider that a proposal could affect the character or appearance of a conservation area, we are required to publicly advertise the planning application and give people the opportunity to comment. This can also apply to developments outside a conservation area if they affect its setting.

In most cases, planning permission is needed to demolish all or a substantial part of a building with a volume of more than 115 cubic metres. Consent is also needed to remove gates, walls, fences or railings that are more than one metre high next to a highway, public footpath or open space, or more than two metres high elsewhere.

In some conservation areas, we may introduce additional planning controls using an Article 4(2) Direction. This removes certain permitted development rights from houses, meaning planning permission is required for specific works — particularly those visible from a highway, waterway or open space. These can include changes such as alterations or extensions to a house, roof works, porches, outbuildings, hard surfaces, satellite dishes, boundary treatments, chimneys, and even painting the exterior of a property. Article 4 Directions can be applied selectively, depending on what needs to be protected.

Trees in conservation areas are given the same protection as those covered by Tree Preservation Orders. You must give us six weeks’ written notice before carrying out any work to these trees, and it is an offence to carry out work without consent.

If you’re unsure whether these controls apply to your property, please get in touch – we’re always happy to help guide you.