Conservation Areas
Hackney's Conservation Areas vary greatly in age, size, character and style and include the historic core of Hackney, centred on Clapton Square and also other historic urban open spaces such as Clapton Common and Clissold Park.
Other Conservation Areas protect large areas of Georgian and Victorian housing developments such as De Beauvoir Town and areas of Industrial heritage such as South Shoreditch. This page explains what a Conservation Area is and what the effects of designation are.
- What is a Conservation Area?
- Why designate Conservation Areas?
- Where are the Conservation Areas in Hackney?
- What are the effects of designation?
- How do I find out if my property is within a Conservation Area?
- How do I apply for Conservation Area Consent?
- How do I report demolition of a building in a Conservation Area?
- How long does a Conservation Area Consent take?
- What is a Conservation Area Advisory Committee?
- How do I submit an online application for a Conservation Area Consent?
What is a Conservation Area?
A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Conservation areas are very much part of the familiar and cherished local scene. It is the area as a whole rather than the specific buildings that is of special interest. Listed Buildings within Conservation Areas are also covered by the Listed Building Consent process.
Why designate Conservation Areas?
Hackney has a legal duty to designate as conservation areas any areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Conservation area designation is a means of recognising the importance of the quality of the area as a whole, as well as protecting individual buildings. Hackney designates conservation areas to preserve and enhance their character and appearance, and to control and manage change. The Conservation and Design Team will be able to tell you if your building is within a Conservation Area.
Where are the Conservation Areas in Hackney?
Detailed maps and information available on each conservation area can be accessed by clicking on the specific name of the Conservation Areas to the left.
What are the effects of designation?
Conservation areas enjoy special protection under the law. Below are some of the key requirements for works in conservation areas.
- You will need Conservation Area Consent to demolish a building in a conservation area.
- You must give us six weeks notice, in writing, before any work is carried out to lop, top or fell a tree in a conservation area. For more information click here.
- You will need to demonstrate that any development proposal preserves or enhances the character or appearance of a conservation area.
- You may need to apply for planning permission for alterations or extensions that would not normally need planning permission, such as minor roof alterations, dormer windows or a satellite dish. If you are in any doubt about whether you need planning permission, please contact the duty planner on (020) 8356 8062.
- Hackney also has greater control over the erection of advertisements and signs. For instance, Hackney has the power to control shop signs, posters or estate agents boards that would not normally need permission.
Find out if your property is within a Conservation Area
You can now use our GIS system, Property.Hackney to find out if your property is located within a Conservation Area. Or to view a specific Conservation Area map, please use the relevant links to the left.
How do I apply for Conservation Area Consent?
If you wish to demolish or substantially demolish a building in a conservation area, you need to apply for Conservation Area Consent. You will be required to submit a supporting statement justifying the proposed demolition. Details of the criteria to address in a supporting statement are set out in government guidance note PPG15 – Planning and the Historic Environment paragraphs 3.16 – 3.19.
Conservation Area Consent applications must accompany a planning application for redevelopment of a particular site and we will consider the applications together. The conservation area consent process is therefore similar to and runs alongside the planning application process. Hackney will not permit the demolition of a building in a conservation area before it has approved the detailed design of its replacement.
How long does Conservation Area Consent take?
Most Conservation Area Consent applications are linked to planning applications for redevelopment. These types of complex applications usually involve consultations with a large number of interested groups as well as detailed negotiations with the applicants or their agents. Hackney requires applicants to submit a statement supporting an application for conservation area consent, including any structural or economic viability evidence, which needs to be analysed in detail by Hackney and English Heritage. Conservation Area Consent applications are therefore not normally determined within the 8 weeks statutory time period.
How do I report demolition of a building in a Conservation Area?
Demolition of a building in a conservation area without prior consent is a criminal offence. The investigation of reports of unauthorised demolition is a high priority for us. Please contact the Urban Design and Conservation Team immediately, if you believe that a building, or major part of a building, is being demolished without consent.
What is a Conservation Area Advisory Committee?
Conservation Area Advisory Committees consist of local residential and business interests as well as representatives of local historical, civic and amenity societies. The CAACs assist Hackney in considering applications that may affect the character or appearance of a conservation area and assist in the formulation of conservation and design policies throughout the borough. If you are interested in joining a CAAC please contact for the Hackney Society for details.
Submit an application for Conservation Area Consent online
You can submit an online Conservation Area Consent application for substantial demolition works within a Conservation Area through the Planning Portal.
Page updated: 24 Apr 2008