Do I Need Planning Permission in a Conservation Area?

The short answer: maybe. Conservation areas restrict some types of work that you could normally do without planning permission. Here's a practical guide.

You probably need permission for:

• Demolishing a building or structure
• Extending to the side of your house
• Adding a dormer that faces the road
• Installing satellite dishes visible from the road
• Cladding your house
• Changing the use of a building

You probably don't need permission for:

• Internal alterations (unless the building is also listed)
• Like-for-like repairs using matching materials
• Small rear extensions (subject to limits)
• Minor repairs and maintenance

Article 4 Directions

Your council can impose Article 4 Directions that remove even more permitted development rights. These might mean you need permission for things like:

• Changing windows or doors
• Painting your house a different colour
• Replacing your roof tiles
• Altering boundary walls

Check with your local planning authority to see if any Article 4 Directions apply to your property.

Trees in conservation areas

You need to give 6 weeks' notice before doing any work on trees. See our trees guide for details.

First step: check if you're in a conservation area

Use our free postcode checker to find out instantly.