Building regulations permissions

Conservation Area

A conservation area is an area designated for its special architectural or historic interest, where planning decisions aim to preserve or enhance its character and appearance.

Designation does not prevent change, but it can bring additional planning controls over demolition, external alterations, trees and development that might affect the wider streetscape. The City of Edinburgh Council's conservation area guidance provides information on Edinburgh's designated areas and the additional controls that may apply.

Large parts of central Edinburgh lie within conservation areas. Windows, doors, roofing, stonework, boundary treatments and extensions may therefore need to respond closely to the building and surrounding townscape. The Council publishes conservation area character appraisals, which describe the architectural character and features considered important within individual areas.

Conservation-area status is different from an individual building being listed, although a property may be both. Historic Environment Scotland's guidance on listed buildings and conservation areas provides further information on these forms of designation. The relevant designation, guidance and permission requirements should be checked before design work is finalised.

Property types

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Tenement Georgian Townhouse Victorian Villa Terraced House Traditional Cottage Georgian Flat Converted Flat Detached House Semi-detached House

Building glossary

Related building terms

Listed Building Consent Listed Property

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