A conservation area is an area of notable environmental or historical interest or importance which is protected by law against undesirable changes.
Anyone wishing to build or make alterations to properties within conservation areas may find that greater emphasis is placed on high quality design and materials to ensure the character and appearance of these areas is preserved and enhanced.
Below is a register of the 26 designated conservation areas within East Cambridgeshire:
Designated conservation area maps are also available to view via our conservation areas map directory:
Conservation area maps directory
We are working to produce up-to-date appraisal documents for each of the conservation areas. Completed appraisals can be viewed on the supplementary planning documents page of this website.
Living in a conservation area does not impose many additional constraints for domestic property owners unless you are subject to an Article 4 direction. Further guidance is available on the Local Plan guidance page of this website.
Commercial properties are generally subject to stronger planning controls, whether in a conservation area or not and many alterations will require planning permission. The council’s shop front design guide should form the starting point for anyone considering undertaking alterations to a commercial property.
The council will exercise control over the siting, design and materials of advertisements within its conservation areas, to ensure they do not detract from the character and appearance of the area.
Advertisement consent may be required for the display of some adverts and signs. Illuminated signs will not normally be supported and will always require consent. It is recommended that you check with the local planning authority prior to commencing works on commercial properties.
If your commercial property is listed you must speak to the Conservation Officer to determine if you need consent for any works. It is a criminal offence to undertake unauthorised works to a listed building.
Trees can play an important role in the quality and character of an area and are consequently protected within a conservation area.
Six weeks’ notice must be given to the council if you wish to fell, lop or carry out major works to any trees that have a diameter of 75mm at a height of 1.5m from the ground. More information on works to trees can be found on the tree pages of our website.
Under current planning legislation, permission is not normally required for changing windows, doors and other minor alterations to frontages within conservation areas.
However, it is recognised that cumulatively, such minor alterations can have a marked and detrimental impact on the character and appearance of a conservation area.
Article 4 Directions are a method by which the local planning authority can introduce specified planning controls on certain properties.
These directions can be introduced on any property, however they are most commonly found on domestic dwellings located within conservation areas. When implemented, they withdraw certain permitted development rights.
If your property is covered by an Article 4 Direction, you will have been notified by the council at the time of implementation, it will also be registered with Land Registry and should appear on any solicitor searches when purchasing. You can find out more on our Local Land Charges page.
Once an Article 4 Direction has been confirmed, planning permission is required for any works set out in the direction. It should be noted that directions only affect the elevations fronting a public highway or open space. The most common works covered are:
Repairs and maintenance generally do not require planning permission.
East Cambridgeshire District Council currently has Article 4 Directions in four of its conservation areas: