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Conservation in Waveney


Waveney District Council's Design & Conservation team is here to support listed building and conservation area owners. We offer free best practice/technical advice on historic building technology which we now know is very different and incompatible with modern construction methods. We also provide design advice as our team are both professional designers from a commercial background. We also have internal access to architectural expertise. "Good design pays" and well-designed developments are visually more attractive, neighbourly, last longer, encourage investment and discourage crime.

We have a responsibility for the protection of our local historic environment including Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.

How do I know I live in a Conservation Area?

There are currently 16 Conservation Areas in Waveney as follows:-

  • Beccles
  • Bungay
  • Ellingham / Mettingham
  • Halesworth
  • Holton
  • Homersfield
  • Lowestoft (North)
  • Lowestoft (South)
  • Oulton Broad
  • Somerleyton
  • Southwold
  • Southwold Harbour
  • Walberswick
  • Wangford
  • Wissett
  • Wrentham

Further details are available from the Design & Conservation Section.


We are currently going through a  Five Year Rolling Programme of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans (34Kb) (opens new window)  



What is Conservation Area Consent?  

You will need permission to carry out demolition of buildings or work on trees in a conservation area. Siting of satellite dishes, dormer windows and some extensions are controlled.

The following conservation areas; Beccles, Bungay, Lowestoft (North & South), Halesworth, Southwold and Southwold Harbour have had Article 4(2) Directions imposed. This means that some of your permitted development rights have been removed and any changes of design or material to any part facing a public thoroughfare will require planning permission. (Free application).


What is Listed Building Consent?

You need Listed Building Consent to demolish, alter or extend a listed building. In some cases repairs may also require consent. Remember the materials you use may seriously damage your property so if in doubt please ask.

The regulations covering Listed Buildings are explained in the leaflet "Do you know you live in a Listed Building". You can also get a copy of "Listed Buildings in Waveney" which identifies all listed buildings (contact details below).




How do I apply for Listed Building Consent?

Complete a listed building application form with a comprehensive set of existing and proposed drawings, specifications, block plan location map and photographs if possible.

There is no fee, but it is advisable to seek assistance from an architect/surveyor in drawing up your proposals.

If in doubt, please ask - simply pick up the phone and call us on the number below.

Most applications are successful, especially where negotiations take place beforehand.

What if the application is refused?

You may appeal to the Secretary of State if listed building consent is refused. There are serious penalties for carrying out unauthorised work so always ask first.

What we ask of you

  • Seek our advice before carrying out work on listed buildings or in conservation areas.
  • Give us clear and detailed information
  • Complete application forms with full details when required

For Further Advice Please contact the Design & Conservation Section:

Waveney District Council
Design & Conservaton
Town Hall
High Street
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 1HS

Tel. (01502) 523077

E-mail: pbc@waveney.gov.uk

The offices are open to the public between:

8.30am - 5.00pm Monday - Thursday
8.30am - 4.30pm Friday

If you have any comments on our service, our staff will be pleased to hear from you.