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• Environment
• Conservation areas
• Frequently asked questions
• What is a conservation area?
• Why are they called conservation areas?
• Is my property in a conservation area?
• What restrictions apply to a building in a conservation area?
• What consents are needed?
• Planning considerations
• Pre-application advice
• Conservation areas in Peterborough
• Conservation area character assessment

Please note: Translations are handled by an external website and are not endorsed by Peterborough City Council.

What consents are needed?

It is important that proposed alterations in a conservation area are sympathetic to its character, stricter design controls therefore apply. You may need one or more of the following types of permission before doing work to your property.

Conservation area consent

Conservation area consent is required for the demolition of all or part of an unlisted building. It is advisable to contact us to confirm whether your proposal will need consent.  A conservation area consent application form will be needed for this.

Listed building consent

Listed building consent is for external and internal works which affect the character of a listed building, including buildings and structures within the grounds. A listed building application form will be required for this.

Works to trees

Trees make an important contribution to the character of the local environment.  Anyone proposing to cut down, top or lop a tree in a conservation area, whether or not it is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, has to give us notice. We can then consider the contribution the tree makes to the character of the area and if necessary make a tree preservation order to protect it. A Tree Work application form will be required for this.

Displaying an advertisement

A Consent to Display an Advertisement application form will be required for this.

Article 4 directions

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.

Building regulation approval

Building regulation approval for structural work to buildings is necessary to make sure health and safety standards are met. Further information on Building Control. Before starting work it is advisable to contact us to confirm which restrictions apply to your property and what applications you will need to make. Application forms can be downloaded from the planning application forms page.