Conservation Areas are defined as areas of special architectural or historic interest. If your property is within a Conservation Area you may need planning permission for some works which would otherwise not need permission.
Check if your property is in a conservation area using our planning search map which includes both Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire conservation areas.
Trees in a conservation area
Trees in conservation areas have protection even if they don't have a Tree preservation order (TPO).
Planning permissions
If you are unsure what planning permission is needed in a conservation area, you can check with our householder and small business planning advice service. This service is only to check what needs permission in a conservation area. For other enquiries about developing in a conservation area please apply for pre-application advice.
The special character of conservation areas means that the control of development is stricter than in other areas. This means that:
- new buildings and the surrounding spaces must preserve or improve the character of the area
- the siting, scale, height, form, details and building materials will all need to be carefully chosen
- outline planning applications will not be accepted as it is not possible to judge if the new building will fit into its surroundings.
We recommend you read our what needs permission in a Conservation Area page for more detailed information.
Check the Planning Portal and Historic England websites which for more information around conservation areas and listed buildings.