A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest designated under Section 69 of the 1990 Act. Designation removes some permitted development rights automatically, and many areas — particularly in London — carry Article 4 directions that remove further rights, street by street. Every application inside is decided against the character-and-appearance test rather than a general design test, which changes the evidence a good application needs to present. The first consultation includes the check on which rights survive at your address.
What’s restricted automatically
The size of rear extensions is reduced. Roof extensions are removed in most cases. Chimneys, flues and soil pipes on principal or side elevations are restricted. Cladding — stone, artificial stone, pebble dash, render, timber, plastic or tiles — is removed. Demolition of most unlisted buildings requires planning permission.
Every tree in a conservation area with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm at 1.5m is protected. Six weeks’ notice must be given for any works to it — failure to give notice is a criminal offence.
Article 4 directions
A formal direction removing specified permitted development rights in a defined area. Common examples in London: changing window styles, replacing front doors, painting brickwork, altering front elevations, installing solar panels or satellite dishes on principal elevations.
Works undertaken without permission where a direction applies are unlawful, and the authority can require reversal. This is one of the most common enforcement issues in London. The check for your address is included in the free consultation.
How applications are argued differently
Precedent is central. A well-evidenced argument that similar works have been approved nearby is often the strongest evidence in favour.
Townscape evidence matters. Photographs, elevational studies and street-scene drawings are usually more persuasive than plans and elevations alone.
Materials are decisive. The specific brick, mortar, window profile. On sensitive elevations we specify to a level of detail well beyond what would be needed elsewhere.
Character appraisals set the terms. Applications that read the appraisal and address it directly succeed more often.
What we deliver
- Article 4 check specific to the property address
- Permitted development analysis of what remains
- Design in context, evidenced by local precedent
- Street scene and townscape drawings
- Design and Access Statement addressing the character-and-appearance test
- Materials specification to the level the officer will scrutinise
- Coordination with any listed building consent issues
- Negotiation with conservation officers and amenity societies
How the process runs
Check
Designation, Article 4 directions, character appraisal, planning history.
Precedent
What the council has approved nearby, and on what reasoning.
Design
A proposal that meets the brief while passing the character test.
Statement
Design and access statement citing precedent and character appraisal.
Apply
Submission with the townscape evidence that makes refusal hard to justify.
Standards and regulations that apply
The framework we work within.
Establishes the conservation area regime and the special attention duty.
Sets which permitted development rights are automatically removed.
The framework’s policy on the historic environment.
The council’s own document describing what makes the area special.
The specific direction for the property.
Good Practice Advice notes on conservation area management.
Common questions
How do I know if I’m in a conservation area? +
Council policy maps show every boundary and Article 4 direction. We run this check as part of the free consultation.
Can I still extend? +
Usually yes. Extensions are approved constantly. The bar is design quality, materials and townscape evidence.
What is an Article 4 direction? +
A direction removing specific permitted development rights — often on windows, doors, brickwork or front elevations. Every London conservation area address should be checked.
What if I’ve already done work without checking? +
Specific advice on the facts. Retrospective applications are often the pragmatic route. If refused, enforcement may follow. We advise without judgement.
Do I need conservation area consent as well as planning? +
No. Conservation Area Consent as a separate regime was abolished in 2013. Everything goes through the planning application process.
What about trees? +
Every tree over 75mm trunk diameter is protected. Six weeks’ notice of any works must be given — failure is a criminal offence.
Are solar panels allowed? +
Sometimes. On principal or side elevations they usually need permission and Article 4 often restricts them further. On rear elevations the restrictions are lighter.
Does the conservation officer’s view matter? +
They’re a statutory consultee on many applications and provide specialist advice to the planning officer. Their view carries significant weight on character-and-appearance. Pre-application engagement often makes the difference.
The first consultation includes the Article 4 check and an initial view on what would be achievable.