What is a conservation area?

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

If your property is in a conservation area then in some circumstances you may need additional consent to carry out works which involve demolition of a building or gates, fences, walls or railings. You can apply for consent for demolition in a conservation area online via the Planning Portal.

The government are working on improving access to public land records, allowing you to check certain restrictions on land. You can view their progress here and see whether your land is in a conservation area (note: this is currently a prototype).¹

Find out more about consent for demolition in a conservation area (England)² / (Wales)³ (PDF)

To find out if you live in a conservation area (and any policies or restrictions that may apply as a result) you will need to contact your local planning authority.

You can find contact details for your local planning authority on the Planning Portal: 

Find your local planning authority ^{(https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)}

1. https://www.digital-land.info/map/?dataset=conservation-area
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/consent-types/planning-permission-for-relevant-demolition-in-a-conservation-area
3. https://ecab.planningportal.co.uk/uploads/1app/guidance/guidance_note_wales_en-conservation_area_consent.pdf