Conservation Area

Government guidance on the historic environment defines a conservation area as one that has been designated because of its special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. In most cases, conservation areas are designated by local planning authorities, and once designated the local authority is under an ongoing duty: local planning authorities must review their conservation areas from time to time, a requirement drawn from section 69(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Designation triggers extra planning controls beyond those that apply generally. Planning permission is required for the demolition of certain unlisted buildings in conservation areas, a category of development known as 'relevant demolition', and some permitted development rights that would otherwise let owners carry out minor works without applying for planning permission are more restricted inside a conservation area. Trees within a conservation area also receive a distinct form of protection under the guidance on how trees are protected in conservation areas.