Conservation areas are defined in law as 'an area of special architectural or historic interest the character of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance'.

It means if you own or live in a property in a conservation area there will be tighter restrictions making it more likely you will need to apply for planning permission.

You will generally need to apply for planning permission for work including:

• demolition
• new development
• change of use
• advertisements.

If development proposals involve demolition, as part of your planning application you will need to provide a heritage statement.

This is a statutory requirement and is designed to ensure the application provides a proper assessment of the building/structures significance, its contribution to the conservation area and justify the intended work.

A conservation area also requires notification to be given for works to trees.

If you want to find out if you’re in one of the 43 designated conservation areas in East Hampshire then you can check the online map.

Conservation area guidance documents

Most conservation areas have published guidance documents.

These are gradually being updated to reflect latest best practice to form conservation area appraisals and management plans.