Conservation areas

Conservation area designation should be regarded as a method of identifying and protecting areas of special architectural or historic significance. The designation of conservation areas will not preclude development within them, but will ensure greater emphasis is placed on high quality design and materials, ensuring the character and appearance of these areas is both preserved and enhanced.

Conservation areas in East Cambridgeshire

There are currently 26 conservation areas in East Cambridgeshire.

TownInformation
Ashley
Bottisham
Brinkley
Burrough Green
Burwell, High Town
Burwell, North Street
Cheveley
Chippenham
Dullingham
Ely
Fordham
Haddenham
Haddenham, Hill Row
Isleham
Little Downham
Littleport
Lode
Reach
Snailwell
Soham
Stretham
Sutton
Swaffham Bulbeck
Swaffham Bulbeck, Commercial End
Swaffham Prior
Upend, Kirtling
Wicken
Wilburton
Witcham

If you require an accessible version of any of these documents, please email contactUs@eastcambs.gov.uk and let us know your requirements.

You can download the Conservation Area dataset on our Planning Datasets page.

Living in a conservation area

Despite popular belief, living in a conservation area does not impose many additional constraints for domestic property owners, unless you are subject to an Article 4 Direction.

Businesses in conservation areas

Commercial properties are generally subject to stronger planning controls, whether in a conservation area or not and many alterations will require planning permission. The council’s shop front design guide (PDF) should form the starting point for anyone considering undertaking alterations to a commercial property.

  • The council will exercise control over the siting, design and materials of advertisements within its conservation areas, to ensure they do not detract from the character and appearance of the area.
  • Advertisement consent may be required for the display of some adverts and signs. Illuminated signs will not normally be supported and will always require consent.
  • It is recommended that you check with the local planning authority prior to commencing works on commercial properties.

If your commercial property is listed you must speak to the conservation officer to determine if you need consent for any works. It is a criminal offence to undertake unauthorised works to a listed building.

Trees in conservation areas

Trees can play an important role in the quality and character of an area and are consequently protected within a conservation area.

Six weeks notice must be given to the council in order to fell, lop or carry out major works to any trees that have a diameter of 75mm at a height of 1.5m from the ground. More information on works to trees can be found on the tree pages of our website.