Conservation areas aim to preserve and enhance neighbourhoods of special architectural or historic interest. Trees and other features such as designed gardens are all protected. Permission for even minor works may be needed in a conservation area.
Scotland currently has more than 600 conservation areas, which safeguard some of our most important historic places. Your planning authority can tell you if your property is in a conservation area.
Conservation areas are used to protect:
- important groups of buildings
- open spaces
- planned towns and villages
- street patterns
- historic gardens
Permission for works
The planning authority will be able to advise you on any consents required for work you are planning.
Suitable materials and methods
Work on traditionally constructed buildings should be carried out to a high standard, using traditional methods and materials. You should employ the services of a tradesperson or contractor with conservation experience, preferably in local building techniques and traditions.