Conservation

Information about conservation areas and where are they located in Surrey Heath.

Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest. They are designated by local authorities and are considered desirable to preserve and enhance

The Council has a duty to explain:

  • why an area has been designated
  • outline its special interest 
  • publish proposals for its preservation and enhancement.

It is the purpose of conservation area appraisals and management plans provide this information.

Conservation areas in Surrey Heath

Surrey Heath has nine designated conservation areas. They are listed below with relevant documentation.

Bagshot Village

Bagshot Church Road  

Bagshot Park, Bagshot 

Basingstoke Canal  

Chobham Village

Royal Military Academy (former) Staff College, London Road, Camberley

Upper Gordon Road to Church Hill, Camberley   

Windlesham, Updown Hill    

Windlesham, Church Road    

Preserving the character and appearance of conservation areas

In conservation areas, planning permission will be required for:

  • the demolition of a building with a volume exceeding 115 cubic metres
  • the demolition of a gate, fence, wall or railing over one metre high. This applies if it is next to a highway (including a public footpath or bridleway) or public open space.
  • the demolition of a gate, fence, wall or railing over over two metres. This applies if it is not next to a highway (including a public footpath or bridleway) or public open space.

Permitted development rights are more restricted in conservation areas to give the Council more control over the size, design and location of extensions, outbuildings and alterations.

Trees are also subject to greater protection within conservation areas. If you are thinking of cutting down a tree or doing any pruning work you must notify the Council six weeks in advance of undertaking works.

Where planning permission is required, the Council will expect development to respect and promote the preservation and enhancement of the conservation area.

The National Planning Policy Framework, the Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies 2012 provide the statutory planning framework are use to assess development within conservation areas and make decisions. Relevant conservation area appraisals and management proposals will also be considered.

Failure to obtain planning permission

Failure to obtain planning permission when it is needed is an offence. This may result in a fine or term of imprisonment (or both). Where works have been undertaken without consent, the Council can also serve an enforcement notice, specifying action intended to preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.

If you are unsure as to whether any proposed works require planning permission, please seek clarification from the Council.