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Advice

Whether you live or work in a conservation area there are implications that must be considered before you make any changes to your property.

Permitted development rights

Permitted development rights make a planning application unnecessary for some minor alterations and extensions to dwellings but these rights are more restricted within a conservation area. Planning permission is required for:

  • External cladding
  • External painting
  • Boundary walls
  • Roof alterations
  • The formation of hard surfaces
  • There are additional controls over the positioning of satellite dishes

You are advised to contact us concerning any proposed works to determine whether or not an application is required.

Article 4 direction

An Article 4 direction made under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (as amended) and applied to residential properties removes permitted development rights from significant sides of the building, normally the front and the side.  Alterations such as replacement doors, windows and porches, the creation of hard standings and the removal of original boundary treatments may be insignificant as individual alterations. The overall effect of these alterations together with the removal of other architectural details such as chimneys, ridge tiles and decorative timber work effects the buildings character and appearance.  An Article 4 Direction requires planning permission to be obtained for these minor developments.  No planning fee is paid in these circumstances.

Special attention must be paid to the character and appearance of the conservation areas when determining planning applications.  Planning applications are advertised for public comment and any views expressed are taken into account.  Applicants are encouraged to discuss ideas for development proposals with planning officers prior to submitting a planning application.

Demolition of unlisted buildings

Conservation area consent is required for the demolition of unlisted buildings. It is advisable to contact us to confirm whether your proposal will require consent.

Trees

Within conservation areas trees are covered by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). It is an offence to cut down, top, lop uproot or wilfully damage or destroy a tree having a diameter exceeding 75mm at a point 1.5m above ground level. We must be given six weeks notice of works to trees within a conservation area. Failure to give notice will result in the person being liable to the same penalties as for the breaching of a Tree Preservation Order.

Tree preservation orders

Tree preservation orders are used to secure the preservation of trees, where their removal would have a significant impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public.  We are required to undertake assessment from a public place, such as a road or footpath to determine this.  The importance of trees as wildlife habitats will be taken into consideration. We discourage any form of development or change to the use of land which is likely to damage or affect the future long term existence of trees covered by a tree preservation order. More information about tree preservation orders,  trees in conservation areas,  trees on development sites and private trees in general can be found on trees on private land.