Conservation areas are designated because of their special architectural or historic interest. They vary in character, form and size, but their designation means that they are all worthy of protection as areas of special merit.
There are 57 conservation areas in the Dover district. You can check if your property is within a conservation area by using our online map below and searching using the postcode or street name.
Search for a conservation area (opens in new tab)Living in a conservation area
Conservation area designation shows our commitment to protecting the special historic or architectural interest of these places. We have a legal duty to preserve or enhance their character or appearance and may apply extra planning controls to manage certain types of development. The aim is not to stop change, but to manage it carefully so areas remain attractive places to live, work and visit.
Planning permission is required for demolition and for some works that would normally be permitted development, including:
- installing external cladding such as weatherboarding or artificial stone
- building roof dormers
- demolishing walls, gates or fences over 1 metre high next to a highway or over 2 metres high elsewhere.
This list is not exhaustive.
Conservation area appraisals
As part of our duty to preserve or enhance conservation areas, it's important to understand what makes them a special place and we do this by producing conservation area appraisals.
An appraisal identifies features which make a positive or negative contribution to the character or appearance of the conservation area. It can present recommendations, for example identifying opportunities to make beneficial changes or to apply further planning controls, known as Article 4 Directions, to help retain the special interest of the area.
A number of our conservation areas do not currently have appraisals, but we are working to address this.
Article 4 Directions
An Article 4 Direction gives us control over a variety of alterations to unlisted homes within a conservation area. This helps us make sure any changes protect the area’s character and appearance.
A Direction requires a planning application for certain works which would usually be allowed under permitted development to a single dwelling. This applies to parts of a home that face a road, waterway or public open space, where changes would affect how the building looks to the public.
The type of work that may be covered by an Article 4 Direction include:
- the enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a dwelling - this includes changing doors and windows
- alteration to the roof of a dwelling
- painting of the exterior
- erection or construction of a porch
Our conservation areas
Below, you'll find the current approved conservation area appraisals and their relevant maps and other documents, including Article 4 Directions where relevant.
Listed buildings
If your building is in a conservation area and also listed then you may require listed building consent in addition to planning permission.
Check if your building is listed (opens in new tab)Further information
- Guidance: shop fronts, signage, retail and commercial properties (opens in new tab)
- Guidance: trees in conservation areas
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