There are 26 conservation areas in the borough.
Our policy is to preserve and enhance the special character and appearance of these areas and to resist inappropriate or harmful development.
To find out whether your building lies in a conservation area, download the conservation area map or contact us.
Conservation areas within the borough
If your property lies within a conservation area, you will need consent before demolishing structures and buildings or carrying out any work which will need planning permission.
Trees also add special character. In conservation areas, no work may be carried out, such as lopping or felling, without getting consent from the council.
For more information please contact us.
Restrictions within conservation areas
In a conservation area, permitted development rights (permission granted automatically for certain works to single-family dwelling houses) are more restricted than elsewhere and sometimes may have been removed altogether. This gives the council more control over the size, design and location of extensions, outbuildings and alterations.
Planning permission is required for:
side or rear extensions which are more than 50 cubic metres (measured externally) or 10% of the original volume up to a maximum of 115 cubic metres, whichever is the greater
any alteration or addition to the roof of any property.
the cladding of any part of the exterior of a building with stone, artificial stone, timber, plastic or tiles
any buildings (eg sheds, summerhouses) or enclosures (eg swimming pools) within the curtilage of a house which are more than 10 cubic metres in volume
the siting of satellite dishes in certain circumstances - for more information contact us or visit the Planning Portal
any works not to a single family house
Further restrictions affecting specific conservation areas
Two conservation areas in Hounslow are subject to further restrictions on development: the Gunnersbury Gardens Estate (part of the Gunnersbury Park Conservation Area) and Bedford Park.
In these areas, planning permission must be obtained for all work which would otherwise be permitted development including residential extensions and minor alterations, porches, exterior painting, means of enclosure, vehicular access and hardstandings.
Trees in conservation areas
Trees outside conservation areas may be protected by a Tree Protection Order.
All trees in conservation areas are protected in a similar way to trees with a TPO provided that the diameter of the tree is greater than 75mm measured at 1.5m above the ground.
Should you wish to do work to a tree you must give us six weeks’ notice. This needs to be in writing, completing an application form or by phoning 020 8583 4965.
In similar ways to TPO applications the tree will be inspected. You will receive a notification of our decision as soon as possible. Trees enjoy similar protection to TPOs. Offences and exemptions are similar to TPOs. Register of applications and notifications is available for public viewing between the hours of 1pm - 4pm Monday to Friday by appointment only, contact 020 8583 5136.
We keep details of all orders together with a map, species of trees and the address of the land on which it is growing.
Trees with a trunk diameter of 75mmand above normally requirenotification to carry out tree work.
1.5m
Demolitions
In addition to planning permission, the council’s consent is required for substantial demolition work, including that covered by unimplemented planning permissions. Consent will not generally be granted for the demolition of buildings that make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area.
For permission to demolish part or all of a non-listed building in a conservation area including works associated with a proposed extension or other new building.
New conservation areas
We have a duty from time to time to review existing conservation areas and to look at the possibility of designating additional areas. This is done after survey work and following consultation with local residents and groups.
Contact us
Planning Department
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Tel: 020 8583 6750
Email: planningcomments@hounslow.gov.uk