Conservation areas
Conservation areas are areas of special character, whose qualities we aim to protect and enhance. See
There are currently 76 Conservation areas within Cheshire East, ranging from the whole town centre of Knutsford to small town's such as Cocks Bank, Nantwich, Sandbach, Middlewich, Disley and Lower Peover, or industrial settlements like Styal and Bollington.
We have a duty under present legislation to designate areas of land considered to have outstanding historic or architectural interest. Conservation areas protect the best of the townscape and natural environment, illustrate the evolution of Cheshire East and provide an historic framework for future development.
Article 4 directions
Article 4 Directions allow the Council to ensure that Conservation areas are suitably protected from inappropriate development. Individually, many minor changes may appear insignificant. However, if they are added together, they can have a significant impact upon the character and appearance of a Conservation area.
If you live in a Conservation area and want to see if your property is covered by an Article 4 Direction, visit our mapping system.
Applying for planning permission in Conservation areas
It is important that your application contains detailed information in order for a decision to be made. Further information on what to include in your submission, can be found on our heritage planning applications page.
Planning applications within Conservation areas must be full applications, not outline ones. Outline applications do not usually offer sufficient information to judge the probable visual impact of a proposal on its surroundings.
For permitted development queries, visit the planning portal permitted development pages.
To find out more about permissions, see the planning portal permissions pages.
Some developments that are normally allowed, may need specific planning approval, including the demolition of a building or structure.
Owners have an obligation to obtain permission for various changes to:
- façades
- cladding
- dormer windows on the roof
- and the display of satellite dishes on roadside elevations.
The size of a house extension that can be built without planning permission is smaller than elsewhere. If an extension does require planning permission, it will have to meet an expected standard of good design and be constructed in materials sympathetic to its surroundings. Planning applications will also need to be supported by a heritage statement, identifying the significance of the location and demonstrating the measures that will be taken to protect its character and appearance.
Conservation area consultations
Visit our Conservation area consultation page for detailed information on each consultation. Upcoming Conservation area public consultations are also posted on these pages, so you can have a say in the review process.
Use our interactive mapping to find further information or to view Cheshire Historic Environment Records.
Trees in Conservation areas
To check if your trees are in a Conservation area.
For more information on trees in Conservation areas, visit our trees and hedges pages.
More information on Conservation
Contact the Built Heritage team
Email: built.heritage@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 5014
Page last reviewed: 20 June 2024
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