Bath and North East Somerset › Guides › Conservation areas

Conservation areas explained

A conservation area is an area designated because of its special architectural or historic interest, whose character or appearance it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Extra planning rules can apply to homes in one.

What it is

Planning guidance defines a conservation area as an area designated because of its special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. The council designates them and must review them from time to time.

Being in a conservation area is not the same as being listed. Individual buildings inside one may or may not be listed.

What it means if you own or are buying

• Trees: if a tree in a conservation area is not already covered by a tree preservation order, you must tell the council six weeks before doing certain work on it, unless an exception applies.
• Alterations and extensions: councils can remove some permitted development rights (the right to do small works without applying) with an Article 4 direction. Ask the council what applies at your address before planning work.
• Check the boundary: ask the council or look at its conservation area map.

How we show it

Conservation area boundaries come from councils via planning.data.gov.uk. Boundaries are approximate at the edges, so a home near one may be shown wrongly. Always check with the council.

Common questions

What is a conservation area?

An area designated because of its special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Can I cut down a tree in a conservation area?

If it is not covered by a tree preservation order you must tell the council six weeks before doing certain work on it, unless an exception applies. Ask the council first.

Official sources

• Planning practice guidance: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment (GOV.UK) (accessed 2 October 2026)
• Planning practice guidance: Tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas (GOV.UK) (accessed 2 October 2026)
• Planning practice guidance: Article 4 directions (GOV.UK) (accessed 2 October 2026)

General information, not legal, planning or surveying advice. Check with the council and a qualified professional before relying on it. Other guides: Flood zones 1, 2 and 3, Listed building grades (I, II*, II), Article 4 directions, Tree preservation orders, Agricultural land grades.