Conservation Areas

Works to listed buildings and development within conservation areas (Designated Heritage Assets) are governed by statute. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and national policy within the NPPF requires that special regard is given to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest and great weight be given to the asset’s conservation.  If your proposal involves works to or affecting the setting of a Listed Building or within a Conservation Area, you are strongly advised to seek pre-application advice from the Council before submitting your application. Pre-application advice may be requested by using the link below:

https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/planning-building/planning-pre-application-advice/

A conservation area is defined as an area ‘of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.’

They are designated by Local Authorities under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Mid Sussex District Council has designated 36 Conservation Areas so far. 

Plans of the boundaries of the individual conservation areas are available to view at the District Council Offices.

A summary and map of each Conservation Area can be found in Conservation Areas in Mid Sussex.

We are required by law to review the extent of our conservation areas and to publish proposals for their preservation and enhancement.

Conservation Area Appraisals are detailed assessments of the special interest and character of conservation areas.

Appraisals can be used to identify the essential qualities of the areas and to provide guidance for planning decisions. They can identify threats to the character of conservation areas as well as opportunities to improve the areas.

The appraisals also review the boundaries of conservation areas. In some cases they make recommendations for changes to the boundaries.

We have produced six Conservation Areas Appraisals:

• Cuckfield Conservation Area Appraisal
• East Grinstead Conservation Area Appraisal
• Fulking Conservation Area Appraisal (now within the South Down National Park)
• Hurstpierpoint Conservation Area Appraisal (including the Hurstpierpoint Conservation Area, Hurst Wickham Conservation Area and Langton Lane Conservation Area)
• The Heath Conservation Area Appraisal
• West Hoathly Conservation Area Appraisal

Boundary changes to the Cuckfield, East Grinstead, Hurstpierpoint, Hurst Wickham and West Hoathly Conservation Areas have been approved by the Council.

The Council is currently developing an ongoing programme of appraisals for the other Conservation Areas in Mid Sussex.

When deciding which planning applications are accepted for development within its Conservation Areas, the Council has a duty in law to preserve or enhance the character of each area.

We will also be guided by the planning policies set out in the:

• Mid Sussex District Plan 2014-2031
• Relevant Neighbourhood Plan

Dwelling houses

If you own a dwelling house within a conservation area in addition to normal planning controls planning permission is required for certain external works including:

• The cladding of any part of the exterior
• Enlargement of a dwelling consisting of an extension beyond a wall forming a side elevation of the original dwelling
• Enlargement of a dwelling consisting of an extension of more than one storey which extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling
• Enlargement of a dwelling consisting of an addition or alteration to its roof - excluding rooflights
• The erection of an enclosure, pool or container within the enclosed area immediately surrounding the dwelling
• The installation of an antenna on a chimney to a building which exceeds 15 metres in height
• The installation of an antenna on a wall or roof slope which fronts a highway
• The installation, alteration or replacement of a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe on a wall or roof slope which fronts a highway and forms either the principal elevation or a side elevation of a dwelling
• The installation, alteration or replacement of a microwave antenna on a chimney, wall or roof slope which faces onto, and is visible from, a highway, or on a building which exceeds 15 metres in height
• The demolition of garden walls, gates and fences

Please note: A dwelling house does not include a building containing one or more flats - or a flat contained within such a building.

Flats do not have the same development rights as 'dwelling houses'

Please contact us for advice if there is any doubt that planning permission is needed.

Commercial premises

The size of commercial extensions that may be carried out without specific planning permission is also more restrictive.

Commercial premises have fewer 'permitted development' rights than dwelling houses in any case.

Most external alterations require planning permission - such as replacement of timber sash windows with UPVC windows.

Trees can make an important contribution to the character and appearance of a Conservation Area.

Anyone proposing to top, lop or fell a tree in a Conservation Area - which is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) - is required to give six weeks notice to the Council before starting work.

Trees have legal protection equivalent to a TPO for that period. During that period the Council may - if appropriate - decide to make a TPO.

Please visit our Trees and hedgerows page for more information.

Historic shopfronts make an important contribution to the appearance of a conservation area. Such shopfronts should be retained wherever possible.

New shopfronts should be designed to be in keeping with the rest of the building and neighbouring properties. They should contribute positively to the character of the conservation area.

Please note: Certain categories of ‘deemed consent' advertisements which may have a significant visual impact are not permitted for display without the consent of the council.

Tel: 01444-477385
Email: emily.wade@midsussex.gov.uk