Conservation Areas are places of special architectural or historic interest. They are designated by local authorities, which have an obligation to preserve or enhance their character or appearance through the planning process.
Inside a Conservation special permission (Conservation Area Consent) is needed in order to demolish any building and will not normally be granted if the existing building contributes to the character and appearance of the area. Conservation Area controls try to prevent insensitive additions, especially if the work proposed is at the front of the building. The aim is to ensure that all alterations will preserve or enhance to appearance of the Conservation Area.
In order to monitor any changes in Conservation Areas, Conservation Area Appraisals should be carried out every few years to re-assess the character of the Area, and ensure that the protections in place are sufficient and continue to be appropriate. Some of Hackney's Conservation Areas already have Appraisals, and some additional ones have been carried out recently by volunteers for the Hackney Society and the Conservation Area Advisory Committees. Click on the drop down list below to learn more about the individual Conservation Area.