Conservation areas

Conservation areas

Conservation areas are defined in law as 'an area of special architectural or historic interest the character of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance'.

This means if you own or live in a property in a conservation area, there will be tighter restrictions making it more likely you will need to apply for planning permission. Restrictions are not to prevent development, but to make sure that changes enhance the special architectural or historic qualities of an area and so protect its special character.

The Planning Portal provides a useful set of guidelines, which outline when you will need planning permission in addition to normal planning controls. You must include a heritage impact statement in a planning application that affects a listed building or a conservation area.

Use our interactive map to see if you're in one of the eight designated conservation areas in Rushmoor. You can also view the documents below.

Conservation area documents

We have produced a Conservation Area Overview Document that sets out the context in which conservation areas in Rushmoor have been designated. It includes the legislative and planning policy framework, as well as the geographic and historic setting of the area. The overview document should be read alongside the individual character appraisals and management plans. You can find out more information about individual conservation area below:

• Aldershot Military
• Aldershot West
• Basingstoke Canal
• Cargate
• Farnborough Hill
• Manor Park
• St Michael's Abbey
• South Farnborough

Trees in conservation areas

If you want to cut down, or carry out any work to, a tree in a conservation area, you must tell us at least six weeks beforehand.

You can find out more on our protected trees page.

Conservation area reviews

As set out in the Rushmoor Local Plan, we are carrying out a comprehensive review of Rushmoor’s conservation areas.  This is part of our overall strategy to protect and improve the heritage of the borough and its character.

We consulted on draft conservation area appraisal and management plans for the Aldershot West and South Farnborough conservation areas between 29 August and 10 October 2023.  We also consulted on a draft conservation area appraisal and management plan for the proposed new Farnborough Street conservation area, which is proposed to be split from the Farnborough Hill conservation area.

We will now review all the responses received before deciding whether the documents should be adopted or if any changes are needed.