Guidance on restrictions that apply in conservation areas. View all Southwark's conservation areas as a list or map.
The following restrictions apply if you are doing building work in conservation area.
You will need planning permission to demolish a building. Contact us well in advance to find out what you'll need to do. If a building contributes to the character or appearance of a conservation area, we are unlikely to allow its demolition.
Contact us immediately if you believe that a building, or major part of a building, is being demolished without consent. You can contact us by:
using our e-form: report a suspected breach of planning control
calling 020 7525 5403.
You'll need planning permission to:
Listed building consent will also be required for listed buildings. See our residential design standards for more information.
You will need to show how a new development would keep or improve the character or look of a conservation area.
You may need to provide elevations (plans) of neighbouring buildings and examples of materials and colours.
You must give us 6 weeks written notice before carrying out any work on trees in a conservation area. Works include the proposed lopping, topping or felling of a tree.
Some advertisements or signage will need planning permission if you're putting them up in a conservation area. We will apply greater standards and controls to preserve and enhance the character of the area.