Conservation areas are designated to safeguard areas of special architectural and historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. There are 26 conservation areas in the City of London. Within these areas special planning controls operate which need to be considered when undertaking development.
Download map of conservation areas (3.9mb)
Conservation area boundaries are shown on the City of London Interactive Map
Conservation areas: a general introduction to their character
Conservation Areas in the City of London: A General Introduction to their Character (3.2mb) forms the introduction and background to the character of the City’s conservation areas. It identifies the factors central to the qualities and identity of the environment of the City of London. The general introduction is complemented by a series of character summaries and management strategies found on the individual conservation area webpages.
Individual conservation areas
Find further information about individual conservation areas in the City by accessing the links on the left. Character summaries and management strategies have been prepared to provide an understanding of the significance of each conservation area by identifying and analysing its principal characteristics.
Please note that character summaries and management strategies have not yet been prepared for all conservation areas, and some relate to renamed areas or those whose boundaries have since been altered. They will eventually be replaced by supplementary planning documents (SPDs).
Current conservation area consultations
View current consultations for draft Character Summary and Management Strategy SPDs. Visit the individual conservation areas for documents and details of how to submit comments.
The following conservation areas SPDs were adopted on 22 March 2013 following public consultation:
Eastcheap Conservation Area
Fenchurch Street Station Conservation Area
St Paul's Cathedral Conservation Area
See also planning contacts and planning applications