The statutory definition of a Conservation Area is, ‘an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.
What makes a conservation area?
Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest where it is desirable to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of such areas.
How do I know if I’m in a conservation area?
Find out if you live in a conservation area by contacting your local planning authority (LPA)(opens in a new window). They will be able to tell you when it was created, how far it extends, the reason for its creation and the level of legal protection it has in place.
What does it mean to live in a conservation area?
The special character of conservation areas means that the control of development is stricter than in other areas. This means that: new buildings and the surrounding spaces must preserve or enhance the character of the area.
What does conservation area mean UK?
Conservation areas exist to manage and protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place – in other words, the features that make it unique. Every local authority in England has at least one conservation area and there are around 10,000 in England.
Can I cut down a tree in a conservation area?
It is an offence to prune, fell or damage a tree in a conservation area without giving notice. For consent to carry out work to trees within a conservation area, you should apply online or download an application form. There is no fee involved for applications to carry out work on trees.
Can you put a Sky dish in a conservation area?
Try to avoid dishes on the front elevation of conservation area. The legislation states that householders have an obligation to install a satellite dish in such a way as to minimise its impact on the external appearance of the building, and to remove it when it is no longer needed.
Can I landscape my garden in a conservation area?
Major landscaping or engineering work usually needs planning permission. Your local authority has to take into account the effect of such work on the area, particularly if your house is listed or in a conservation area.
Can I knock down a wall in a conservation area?
Please note that in a conservation area you do not need permission to demolish a building which does not exceed 115 cubic metres or to take down any wall, gate or fence which is less than 1 metre high where abutting a highway, or less than 2 metres high elsewhere.
Can you change windows in conservation area?
Generally, if you live in a single occupancy house in a conservation area you will not need to apply for planning permission to change your windows, unless the property is covered by an Article 4 Direction. If you live in a flat or above a shop, you will need planning permission to change your windows.
Can I build house in my garden in conservation area?
In a conservation area, you would need permission for: Single storey extensions that extend more than 3 metres beyond the back wall of the house (or 4 metres in the case of a detached house) Extensions at the back of a house with more than one storey. Any extensions at the side of a house.
Can I put a fence up in a conservation area?
You will not need to apply for planning permission for a fence, wall or gate, if you don’t increase its height. In a conservation area, however, you might need conservation area consent to take down a fence, wall or gate.
Can you knock down a house in a conservation area?
Planning permission is required to demolish a building within a conservation area. If you want to completely or substantially demolish a building in a conservation area, you need to have planning permission before you start work.
Can you build a summer house in a conservation area?
And if you live on ‘designated land’ (such as a National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas and World Heritage sites), you may need planning permission regardless of the height of the summer house.
Can you build on land in a conservation area?
Generally, yes. Basic single-storey rear extensions tend to be allowed under permitted development rights in a lot of conservation areas. Even where they aren’t, you’ll often be allowed to build one under planning permission.
Can I replace my roof in a conservation area?
In a conservation area, planning permission is unlikely to be required for any works to the roof structure, however, care should be taken to ensure that any historical elements of the roof structure are retained and repaired.
Can I trim a hedge in a conservation area?
You might need permission from your local council to cut back or remove a hedge if you live in a conservation area or if trees in the hedge are protected by a tree preservation order. Check with your local council before you do any work.
What trees are protected in a conservation area?
Trees in a conservation area
All trees within a conservation area are protected, except where there are exemptions (see below), and consent is required from us for doing any works.
What is the fine for removing a tree in a conservation area?
£20,000
If a protected tree (subject to a TPO or within a conservation area) is topped, lopped, wilfully damaged, destroyed, removed or uprooted without consent, the owner is guilty of an offence. If convicted, the landowner, is liable for a fine of up to £20,000.
What can conservation areas be used for?
These areas will provide for large scale wildlife habitat protection and/or the preservation of cultural heritage sites. No industrial activities will be permitted in these zones..
What is the law for putting large aerials in your back garden?
Houses up to 15 metres high
There can be no more than 2 aerials on the property. If you are installing 1 antenna, it can be no wider than 1 metre. If you are installing 2 antennas, 1 can be no wider than 1 metre, the other can be no wider than 60cm. The cubic capacity of an antenna cannot be more than 35 litres.