Conservation areas

These are areas of special architectural or historic interest whose appearance and character we want to preserve or enhance. Kingston now has 26 designated conservation areas.

When creating a conservation area we look at things like historical qualities, age and arrangement of buildings, and what other features of special interest like trees and landscaping there are.

You can read more about them on the Historic England site

Status and creation

Centuries of growth and change have created the borough’s distinctive built environment. The borough’s 26 conservation areas are places with special architectural or historic interest, whose appearance and character we want to preserve or enhance.

They are protected by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

They have been created through a process of expert studies and public consultations with residents and local, regional and national bodies. Aspects like the history of the area, the architecture, age and arrangement of buildings, and other special features like open spaces, trees and landscaping have been assessed.

See the list of the borough’s conservation areas. Each conservation area has its own webpage with detailed background information, including the designation reports and any updated appraisals and management plans.

Special planning controls and policies

Although modern lifestyles can demand change, we have controls and policies to make sure that the unique character of conservation areas is preserved or enhanced.

Certain types of work will need our approval in conservation areas, where they might not normally.

These include:

• demolishing a main building, garage, outbuilding or wall
• making an external alteration or extension
• putting up a sign or advertisement
• constructing a new outbuilding to the front or side of a dwelling
• installing fixtures or equipment on roofs or walls that face public highways

For interactive guidance on different types of development and what requires planning permission, check the Planning Portal website.

Your responsibilities

The continued success of conservation areas largely depends on the actions of those responsible for the maintenance and development of buildings and land within conservation areas and their settings.

To assist with this, the council has prepared new Conservation Area General Guidance.

This document was adopted at Place Committee in June 2023, followed by public engagement and further minor modifications. It is a material consideration when the council assesses planning applications.

Our responsibilities

The Council will preserve or enhance the character of conservation areas by:

• paying special attention to the character of each conservation area when making decisions on planning and other types of applications
• supporting the work of the independent Conservation Areas Advisory Committees
• ensuring that the special character of each conservation area is understood and published
• preparing and publishing policies and proposals for the preservation and enhancement of the special character of each conservation area