Conservation areas
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Conservation areas are areas identified as having special architectural or historic interest.
Hampstead Village (Heath Passage)
Character appraisals and boundary maps
Most conservation areas have a character appraisal statement that includes information about what makes them so special.
If you live in a conservation area, read the conservation appraisal statement before submitting a planning application.
Learn more about conservation areas at Historic England
Article 4 directions
Some conservation areas are covered by one or more Article 4 Directions. These restrict development rights.
An Article 4 Direction means that some works you can usually do without planning permission need to have consent.
It does not in itself prohibit any action, but means that a landowner is required to seek planning consent.
Within Barnet there are 10 conservation areas that are either covered by or have article 4 directions in force.
Planning permission
Special controls apply to buildings in conservation areas. It is an offence to demolish, alter or extend a building in a conservation area without consent.
In some areas permitted development rights have been removed which limits the work that can be carried out without planning permission. Find out more about planning permission.
Trees in conservation areas are protected by law. It is an offence to undertake works to a tree in a conservation area without permission. To find out more about tree legislation see the Guidance Notes for tree works