Conservation areas
Summary
A Conservation Area is an area of special architectural or historic interest which needs to be preserved or enhanced. We identify and designate areas of such special interest, and this is normally done after consultation with the public. The information below tells you how living in a Conservation Area affects the kinds of development you can do to your property.
Frequently asked questions
Conservation Areas
- How can I find out if my property is within a Conservation Area?
- How does living in a Conservation Area affect me?
- Can I carry out works to the trees in my garden if I live in a Conservation Area?
- Can anything be done to improve untidy land or buidings in a Conservation Area?
Ancient Monuments
- What is a Monument?
- Is consent needed to do works to a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM)?
- Who is responsible for SAMs?
- What happens if works are carried out without consent?
Churches
- Can you tell me if a church is listed?
- Is consent required to alter a listed church?
- Are there any grants available for repairs to churches?
Conservation Areas
How can I find out if my property is within a Conservation Area?
Our Local Plan maps show where all the Conservation Areas are in South Norfolk. You can download maps of where you live from our Local Plan Maps of towns & villages page, or download one map of the whole district.
How does living in a Conservation Area affect me?
You are more limited in what you can do to buildings and on land, without first getting our consent. The rules can be complicated so please check with us first if you are in any doubt.
Can I carry out works to the trees in my garden if I live in a Conservation Area?
You will need to give us six weeks written notice of any work you intend to do to trees. There are a few exceptions, so contact us if you are unsure.
It is an offence to carry out such works without our prior consent. You can apply for planning permission online or download the relevant application form from this website.
Can anything be done to improve untidy land or buildings in a Conservation Area?
We can serve Notice on owners of any untidy land or building which affects the amenity of a Conservation Area. There are other powers the problem is with a building that is listed.
Further information can be obtained by calling us on the number below.
Ancient monuments
What is a Monument?
Monuments can be buildings, ruins or remains, moveable objects ( e.g. a vehicle or machinery), or a site which would include land above and below ground level (e.g. Burial mounds). Ancient Monuments are included by the Secretary of State in the Schedule of Ancient Monuments.
Is consent needed to do works to a Scheduled Ancient Monument? (SAM)
Consent is needed for almost any works that affect a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Enquiries and applications need to be made to the Department of Culture Media and Sport, not to us. Further information can be obtained at the Department of Culture Media and Sport, or from English Heritage. Follow the links under 'External links' below tro visit their websites.
Who is responsible for Scheduled Ancient Monuments?
A number of ancient monuments are in public ownership. Those that are not remain the responsibility of local private landowners. Some are open to the public, and English Heritage should be able to advise which are accessible.
What happens if works are carried out without consent?
Anyone who carries out works without consent is guilty of an offence which can carry a fine or a prison sentence. The most common offence committed is metal detecting.
Churches
Can you tell me if a church is listed?
We have a record of all the listed churches so you can call us on the number below, or look on English Heritage Images of England website.
Is consent required to alter a listed church?
There are differences in the way alterations to churches are dealt with compared to other buildings. Planning permission is still needed for external alterations and extensions, but you don't need listed building consent for churches that are still in use.
Most internal works would not need planning permission or listed building consent. Instead there is a faculty system run by the church. Further help can be obtained from us, the local Diocese or the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) which has published a useful guide: The Ecclesiastical Exemption – What is it and how it works.
Are there any grants available for repairs to churches?
We give an annual grant to the Norfolk Churches Trust. For any enquiries contact them on 01603 767576 or visit the Norfolk Churches Trust website.
English Heritage can give grants in some cases, and there may be other charitable bodies that can help with specific projects.
We have access to various grant sources, so visit our Grants, loans & funding pages for more information.
Related pages on this website
External links
English Heritage
The organisation set up to 'protect and promote England's spectacular historic environment'.
English Heritage: Images of England
A photographic record of all England's listed buildings.
Department for Culture, Media & Sport
Central Government Department that approves all work to Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Norfolk Churches Trust
Provides advice and grants for parishes with the upkeep of churches in Norfolk.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Conservation and Landscape Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| freephone: | 0808 168 3000 |
| telephone: | 01508 533818 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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