Planning Guidance

Conservation Areas Planning Permission Rules

This guide explains UK planning permission rules relating to conservation areas affecting common home improvement projects.

Select a project type below to explore detailed planning guidance including permitted development limits and planning considerations.

Conservation Areas for Garden Room

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting garden room projects.

Conservation Areas for Loft Conversion

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting loft conversion projects.

Conservation Areas for Dormer Extension

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting dormer extension projects.

Conservation Areas for House Extension

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting house extension projects.

Conservation Areas for Single Storey Extension

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting single storey extension projects.

Conservation Areas for Two Storey Extension

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting two storey extension projects.

Conservation Areas for Rear Extension

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting rear extension projects.

Conservation Areas for Side Extension

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting side extension projects.

Conservation Areas for Wraparound Extension

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting wraparound extension projects.

Conservation Areas for Outbuildings

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting outbuildings projects.

Conservation Areas for Garage Conversion

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting garage conversion projects.

Conservation Areas for Porch

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting porch projects.

Conservation Areas for Basement Conversion

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting basement conversion projects.

Conservation Areas for Annexe

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting annexe projects.

Conservation Areas for Driveway

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting driveway projects.

Conservation Areas for Dropped Kerb

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting dropped kerb projects.

Conservation Areas for Fence and Wall

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting fence and wall projects.

Conservation Areas for Rooflight

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting rooflight projects.

Conservation Areas for Change of Use

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting change of use projects.

Conservation Areas for Agricultural Building

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting agricultural building projects.

Conservation Areas for Temporary Building

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting temporary building projects.

Conservation Areas for Demolition

Planning permission guidance explaining conservation areas rules affecting demolition projects.

Planning Guidance Sources

Planning rules summarised in this guide are based on UK permitted development legislation and official planning guidance published by the Planning Portal and local planning authorities.

Always confirm planning requirements with your local planning authority before starting development.

Visit the UK Planning Portal

Understanding Conservation Areas

Planning permission rules relating to conservation areas can affect whether developments qualify under permitted development rights.

Many types of home improvement projects such as extensions, loft conversions and garden rooms may be built without planning permission provided development limits are followed.

However local planning authorities may impose additional planning restrictions through conservation area policies or Article 4 directions which remove permitted development rights.