Conservation areas and article 4 directions
A conservation area is an area of “special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.
Some conservation areas within the borough include additional planning protection known as an article 4 Direction.
An Article 4 Direction enables the Council to withdraw specified permitted development rights across defined areas, it can either identify a whole area or just a few targeted buildings within the conservation area.
Where an Article 4 Direction is in place, a planning application may be required for development that would normally fall under permitted development. The type of work that this could include are, replacement windows, new fences and walls or domestic extensions.
You can check whether your property is in a conservation area or an Article 4 by using the online tool or maps below.