Conservation areas exist to manage and protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place - in other words, the features that make it unique.
Things that make up the character of a conservation area:
- the historic layout of property boundaries and roads
- views along streets and between buildings
- characteristic materials
- details of buildings
- walls, railings and hedges
- trees and open spaces
View Historic England's guidance on conservation areas
Conservation areas in Rutland
There are 34 conservation areas in Rutland.
View a list of Rutland villages with a designated conservation area and Article 4 Direction
Conservation area appraisals
Appraisals show why conservation areas have been designated and how their special character will be preserved and enhanced. We take them into account when we consider planning applications.
They include information about:
- boundaries
- open spaces and trees
- buildings of local importance
- highways
We have carried out appraisals on conservation areas in:
The Ketton appraisal 2020 review also includes:
New developments
Conservation areas do not preserve unchanged things, but should prevent harm from new works.
New work should blend well with its surroundings. Care should be given to:
- height and scale
- design and layout
- road, footpath and open space boundaries
- local architectural details
- materials
- landscape
Before you apply for planning permission, it's a good idea to have a discussion with a planning officer. Please see Preliminary Enquiry Advice for more information. Often a full application (rather than an outline application) will be needed - as it's the details that are important.
Planning permission
You can make some changes to your property without having to make a planning application. These are called permitted development rights. However, in conservation areas these rights are less. Works such as extensions, changes to the roof shape, cladding of walls, buildings in your garden and satellite dishes might need permission.
Article 4 Directions
We have put more controls in place in some villages. These are called Article 4 Directions. You can also view Article 4 Directions areas on our interactive map.
The 'Direction' can cover alterations to:
- roofs (including chimneys and materials)
- front walls (including porches, extensions, windows and doors)
- front gardens (including parking spaces, walls, gates and fences)
You'll need a planning application for these works. The following list of villages contain Article 4 Directions:
- Ashwell
- Ayston
- Belton-in-Rutland
- Braunston
- Clipsham
- Egleton
- Langham
- Little Casterton
- Lyddington
- Lyndon Top
- Preston
- Ridlington
- Seaton
- Stretton
- Teigh
- Tinwell
- Whitwell
Demolition
There are controls over demolition in conservation areas. A planning application will normally be needed. Demolition of a building or part of a building may be refused unless it is beyond repair, or where its removal or replacement would enhance the conservation area.
Repairs to buildings
Repairs do not normally need permission, as long as the materials used are like for like.
For more information
If you have any questions, email planning@rutland.gov.uk.