What is a Conservation Area?

A conservation area is a place of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. They were first introduced by the Civic Amenities Act 1967 and are now protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

How are conservation areas designated?

Local planning authorities (councils) are responsible for designating conservation areas. They identify areas whose character and appearance are worth protecting, often due to historic buildings, street patterns, open spaces, or significant trees.

As of 2026, there are over 9,300 conservation areas across England, Scotland, and Wales.

What makes an area special?

Conservation area designation isn't just about individual buildings — it's about the overall character of a place. This includes:

• The pattern of streets and spaces
• Building materials and styles
• Historic street furniture and boundaries
• Trees, open spaces, and landscaping
• The relationship between buildings and spaces

What does it mean for homeowners?

If your property is in a conservation area, you may face additional restrictions on what changes you can make. These include:

• Demolition — You need consent to demolish buildings
• Trees — 6 weeks' notice required for any tree work
• Permitted development — Some rights may be restricted
• External changes — Alterations to the exterior may need planning permission

Read more in our guide to conservation area restrictions.

How to check if you're in a conservation area

The easiest way is to use our free postcode checker. Enter any UK postcode and we'll tell you instantly whether it falls within a designated conservation area.