What a conservation area is
A conservation area is a place the council has designated for its special architectural or historic interest. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has 11, including Norton (designated in 1969) and Hartburn (1971). Inside a conservation area, the council aims to protect the overall character, including front gardens, walls, railings and trees, as well as buildings.
What Article 4 changes
Normally, many small works count as "permitted development" and need no planning application. An Article 4 Direction removes some of those rights. According to the council's Article 4 Directions page, the Directions in parts of its conservation areas cover:
- Hard surfaces at the front of a house (Part 1, Class F of the permitted development rules);
- Gates, front boundaries: putting up, altering or improving them (Part 2, Class A);
- Demolition of gates, front boundaries (Part 3, Class B).
The council lists Stockton Town Centre and Eaglescliffe with Preston as the conservation areas not covered.
In practice, if your property is in an affected part of a conservation area, a new drive, a widened opening in the front wall or new gates can all need planning permission.
Which areas are affected
The borough's conservation areas include Norton, Hartburn, Bute Street, Wolviston and Cowpen Bewley, among others. Boundaries and Article 4 coverage are drawn street by street, so check the council's maps for your address rather than assuming. Our local pages for Norton and Hartburn cover the character of each.
Making an application that stands a chance
The council is more likely to support a drive that keeps the character of the street. Things that tend to help:
- Keep the boundary. Retain the wall, railings or hedge and make the smallest opening that works.
- Choose traditional materials. Gravel with setts, clay pavers or tumbled blocks in warm tones, rather than plain grey blocks or black tarmac.
- Keep some planting. A front garden that is entirely hard surface is harder to justify.
- Use a permeable surface, which also avoids drainage concerns. See permeable driveways.
- Protect trees. You must give six weeks' notice before most tree work in a conservation area.
Pre-application advice from the council can save a refused application.
The kerb is separate
Planning permission for the drive does not give you a dropped kerb. That is a separate highway approval from the council. See dropped kerbs.
Common questions
How do I know if I am in a conservation area?
Check the conservation area maps on Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's website, or ask the planning team.
Does Article 4 cover the back garden?
The Directions described here focus on the front of the property, facing the highway. Check the specific Direction for your area.
Can I replace an existing drive in a conservation area?
Replacing like for like is often treated differently from a new hard surface, but in an Article 4 area check with the council first.
What happens if I build without permission?
The council can require the work to be removed or altered, at your expense.