Conservation Areas & Planning Permission

When applying for planning permission in a conservation area, it means that there may be additional planning controls and restrictions in place to protect the area's character and appearance because the area has been designated by the local planning authority as an area of special architectural or historic interest. This can include stricter rules on building design, materials, and demolition, as well as increased scrutiny on proposed changes to the area. It is important to be aware of these restrictions and controls and to ensure that your proposal is in line with them before submitting a planning application.

Applying for Planning Permission:

Applying for planning permission in a conservation area can be more complex and time-consuming than a regular planning application, as the proposal will be subject to more scrutiny by the local planning authority to ensure it is in line with the conservation area's character and appearance. However, with proper planning, research, and care in preparing the application, it can be done successfully.

When applying for planning permission in a conservation area, there may be additional surveys and reports required. These can include:

• Heritage statement or conservation area appraisal, which assesses the impact of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• Design and access statement, which explains how the design of the proposal takes into account the character and appearance of the area
• Landscape and visual impact assessment, which evaluates the potential impact of the proposal on the surrounding landscape and visual amenities
• Tree survey, which assesses the condition and importance of any trees on the site, and the potential impact of the proposal on them
• Archaeological assessment, which evaluates the potential impact of the proposal on any archaeology or historic features on the site

What Impact does a Conservation Area have on your Planning Application?

A conservation area status impacts the planning permission process significantly. In the UK, conservation areas are designated to preserve and enhance areas of special architectural or historic interest. Here's how being in a conservation area affects planning permission:

1. Stricter Development Rules:

There are additional controls over demolition, minor developments, and changes that could affect the character of the area, such as the colour of paint used or types of windows installed.

2. Preservation of Character:

Any work done must preserve or improve the character or appearance of the conservation area. This often means that the materials and design have to be in keeping with the local style.

3. Additional Consent Required:

You may need to obtain Conservation Area Consent for works that normally don't require planning permission elsewhere, including demolition of unlisted buildings in the area.

4. Detailed Applications:

Similar to listed buildings, applications for development within a conservation area must be accompanied by a detailed description of how the proposed changes preserve or enhance the character of the area.

5. Trees:

There are restrictions on work to trees in conservation areas, and you often need to notify the LPA before carrying out any works to trees.

6. Increased Scrutiny:

Applications within conservation areas typically undergo more scrutiny by planning officers, and the bar for quality and sympathy to the existing environment is set higher.

7. Public Input:

There may be more opportunity for public comment on planning applications within conservation areas, and the opinions of local conservation groups and societies can have significant weight.

8. Potential for Planning Refusals or Conditions:

There's a higher chance of planning permission being refused or granted with conditions to ensure the area's character is maintained.

9. Impact on Timelines:

The increased complexity and scrutiny can mean that obtaining planning permission might take longer than in non-designated areas.

Further Information

It may cost more money to apply for planning permission in a conservation area, as additional surveys and assessments may be required. In addition, stricter guidelines and regulations may apply to development in a conservation area, which can increase the cost of the application process. 

Additionally, it may take longer to obtain planning permission in a conservation area, as the local planning authority may need to undertake additional consultation and review processes to ensure that any proposed development is in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.

Examples of conservation areas include historic town centres, areas with a distinct architectural style or character, or areas with significant historical or cultural value. It is important to check with the local planning authority to confirm if a particular area is designated as a conservation area.

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