Large parts of London sit within a conservation area, and it is worth checking early, because it can change what you can build without a planning application.
What a conservation area is
A conservation area is a part of a town or city that a council has designated for its special architectural or historic character. Being inside one does not ban building work, but councils generally pay closer attention to how extensions, materials and alterations affect the appearance of the area.
What usually changes
- Some permitted development rights are reduced, particularly for side extensions, roof alterations and some outbuildings
- Cladding and rendering the outside of a house can need planning permission where it would not elsewhere
- Demolishing all or most of a building usually needs consent
- Councils may expect materials and design that match or respect the surrounding street
Article 4 directions
An Article 4 direction is a separate step a council can take to remove specific permitted development rights in a defined area, often because a particular kind of change, such as replacing windows or converting houses into flats, is affecting the character of a street. Where one applies, work that would normally be permitted development needs a planning application instead.
How to check
Your council’s planning pages will show whether an address is in a conservation area and whether an Article 4 direction applies, and a planning officer or your architect can confirm what it means for your specific plans. It is worth checking before you commit to a design.
This guide is general information for homes in England and is not legal or planning advice. Rules can change and differ between properties and local authorities, so always confirm the position with your council or a qualified professional.
For the general rules this sits on top of, see our guide to permitted development rights, or ask us about your specific address.