2. Do I need permission to alter my building in a conservation area?
If you own a property in a conservation area you may need to apply for planning permission to make changes to the exterior of your building. You will also need permission for any work to trees within conservation areas.
Historic buildings and features such as boundary walls are more strictly protected from demolition in conservation areas, and any new development in conservation areas is more tightly regulated. Great weight is given to the importance of preserving the character and appearance of conservation areas. This means there will be expectations about using materials and designs which reflect the special character of the area, particularly if your building is historic.
Homeowners are free to make some changes to their property without needing planning permission, using what are known as permitted development rights. However, these rights are more limited in conservation areas and may in some instances be over-ridden by local restrictions called Article 4 Directions.
Buildings which are not individual dwellings (for example, flats or business premises) have very few permitted development rights and it is likely planning permission will be needed to alter their exterior, including changes to doors and windows.
It is always advisable to make use of our planning pre-application advice service when planning a project, to check whether planning permission or listed building consent will be needed.
There may be other constraints in your area that may affect development. Please contact us if you require any further information.
The following alterations to buildings in conservation areas should be avoided
- Replacement of the original roof with different roofing materials.
- Installation of UPVC, aluminium or other non-traditional windows or doors in historic buildings.
- Removal of or inappropriate alterations to garden walls, railings, entrances, steps or paths.
- Removal of architectural features such as chimneystacks and pots, gate piers or decorative detailing.
- Paving of front gardens to create parking areas. Not only is the removal of gardens harmful to the character and appearance of the conservation area, it will worsen the consequences of the changing climate by increasing localised surface water flood risk and reducing the property’s resilience to uncomfortably high summer temperatures.