Conservation area protection
The Royal Borough is characterised by a rich historic built environment with nearly three quarters of the borough protected by 38 separate conservation areas.
Search for a property
Find out if your property is within a conservation area using our searchable planning map.
Development proposals
Living in a conservation area does not mean that change cannot happen. For planning applications in a conservation area the 'key test' in managing change is that the development proposal should preserve or enhance the historic or architectural character or appearance of the conservation area.
Certain uses such as dwelling houses also benefit from permitted development rights. However, more restrictive conditions apply in conservation areas than they do in other areas. 'Permitted development rights' are set nationally. The best way to find out if you can carry out permitted development works is to check using the government's Planning Portal. You can also look at the The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (GDPO), the definitive legal order setting out permitted development rights. Conservation areas are termed as Article 2(3) land in the GPDO.
Removal of permitted development rights
Some houses have had permitted development rights removed so that changes which may harm the character of the conservation area now require planning permission. Check our Article 4 Directions before carrying out any works.
Conservation area appraisals
The council has documented the special character and/or appearance of conservation areas. These documents help determine planning applications in relation to the 'key test' mentioned above. Previously, these documents were called conservation area proposal statements. The council has now embarked on a programme new conservation area appraisals to replace them.
Visit Conservation area appraisals and proposal statements for the full range of statements and appraisals available for the borough's conservation areas.