Conservation areas

Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest. Additional planning controls apply to help protect their character.

Find a conservation area

You can view details of each conservation area in Westmorland and Furness, including:

  • boundary maps
  • character appraisals
  • management plans

Find a conservation area mapping tool

If you are looking for a particular document and it is not listed, you can contact the conservation team:

Email: conservation2@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

About conservation areas

Conservation areas are defined as:

“areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.”

They may include areas with:

  • a link to a local industry or individual
  • a particular style of architecture
  • a high quality public realm
  • a concentration of listed buildings or historic features

Conservation areas are designated by the council under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

The council also has a duty under Section 71 of the same Act to prepare and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas. This is usually done through character appraisals and management plans, in consultation with the public.

Before you start

You should check whether your proposal needs planning permission before starting any work.

Check if you need planning permission

What living in a conservation area means

Living in a conservation area does not prevent development, but it does mean:

This helps ensure that development preserves or enhances the character of the area.

Works that may require permission

In conservation areas, planning permission is often required for works that affect the external appearance of a property.

This can include:

  • replacing windows or doors
  • altering roofs (for example tiles or chimneys)
  • adding or removing external finishes such as render or cladding
  • installing satellite dishes or external equipment
  • building or altering walls, fences or gates
  • creating or altering hardstanding, driveways or access

Even small external changes may require planning permission in conservation areas.

Trees in conservation areas

You must give notice before carrying out works to trees in a conservation area.

Find out guidance around trees

Article 4 Directions

Some conservation areas are subject to additional controls known as Article 4 Directions.

These remove certain permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is required for work that would not normally need it.

The Article 4 Directions in Westmorland and Furness are Article 4(2) Directions, which:

  • apply to dwellinghouses
  • apply to elevations which front a public highway

Article 4 Directions are implemented to ensure that the special character and appearance of a conservation area is not lost through incremental harmful changes.

This includes the loss of original features and detailing such as:

  • traditional windows (for example timber sash windows)
  • doors (such as timber panelled doors)
  • chimneys
  • boundary walls and other historic features

Find out more about Article 4 Directions

Other consents you may need

You may also need:

  • permission for works to trees
  • listed building consent (if the property is listed)

Further guidance

Planning permission depends on your property and the proposed installation.

You can:

Get advice before you apply

If you are unsure about your proposal, you can:

Get advice before you apply