Conservation areas

Conservation areas are designated by Plymouth City Council because they are considered as areas of special architectural or historic interest that it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

There are currently 14 conservation areas in Plymouth, each of which is valued for its special unique character. The Council is pledged to protect and enhance these areas, reviewing them from time to time and publishing proposals for their preservation and enhancement. The conservation areas below have either been adopted or are currently under review.

• Adelaide Street/Clarence Place (adopted)
• Barbican (adopted)
• Devonport (adopted)
• The Hoe
• Mannamead
• North Stonehouse (adopted)
• Plympton St Maurice (adopted)
• Royal Naval Hospital/Millfields (adopted)
• Stoke
• Stonehouse Peninsula (adopted)
• Tamerton Foliot
• Turnchapel
• Union Street (adopted)
• Ebrington Street (adopted)

To check whether your property lies in a conservation area please contact us using the details above or by filling in the online enquiry form.

The general objectives for allocating conservation areas are:

• to protect the area’s distinctive layout and character
• to give greater consideration to the nature and design of development proposals in the interests of respecting and complementing the existing architecture of the area
• to provide additional protection through reduction in permitted development rights for:
  • demolition
  • works to trees
  • extensions
  • dormer windows
  • satellite dishes
  • cladding etc

The above list is not exhaustive. If you are thinking about carrying out any works on a property within a conservation area, it is always advisable to contact the Development Management Office for advice and assistance. Pre-application discussions are always welcomed, more information can be found on the pre-application enquiries page.

Conservation area consent forms along with further information can be found on the forms, fees and guidance page.

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