Conservation Area Consent

One area of additional control within a conservation area is the legal requirement for Conservation Area Consent to be granted by the Local Planning Authority if a building or structure, including walls or outbuildings is to be totally or substantially demolished.

There are exceptions to Conservation Area consent, particularly with regard to the height of walls and minimum volume of the building.
The application form for Conservation Area Consent may be viewed or downloaded at the following link: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/appPDF/Y0435Form010_england_en.pdf

Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment
establishes a general presumption in favour of retaining buildings that contribute to the special architectural or historic character of the conservation area. In assessing any proposal to demolish a building that makes a contribution to the character or appearance of the conservation area the Local Planning Authority must have full information about what is proposed. Buildings which make a positive contribution will be subject to the same tests applied to proposals to demolish a listed building.

A decision to grant conservation area consent will only be made after careful consideration of the existing buildings potential for re-use and the potential benefits arising from an alternative use.

It is a criminal offence to demolish a building in a conservation area without conservation area consent. Further detailed guidance on Conservation Area Consent may be found at the following link: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/appPDF/Help010_england_en.pdf

Back to the Conservation Areas page.