Conservation areas and appraisals

Do I need permission for building work if I live in a conservation area?

It depends on the type of work you are proposing. There is some permitted development allowed in conservation areas. If you would like pre-application advice on development within a conservation area, please submit a request to planning using the pre-application service.

Maintaining an older home or listed building

Information leaflets have been prepared to help you maintain an older home or listed building, you can find them on our Listed buildings page.

Works to trees in a conservation area

For works to trees within a conservation area please contact customer.services@westsuffolk.gov.uk or visit the West Suffolk Trees page for further information.

What restrictions are there on building work?

If you are proposing building work in a conservation area you may find that some permitted development rights are restricted under what is known as the Article 4 Direction. Permitted development is building work that can be carried out without planning permission.

The Article 4 Direction applies to specific alterations for buildings.

Conservation areas are places of architectural or historic value. Appraisals and management plans (below) for conservation areas set out why an area is of historic interest. The plans detail the various aspects of interest within the area and how it will be managed in relation to everyday living and future development. Consultation Draft Appraisals should be read in conjunction with the adopting committee report.

You can also view the conservation areas, listed buildings and article 4 directions by using Find my nearest