Conservation Areas are "areas of special architectural or historic interest." Bristol has designated 33 Conservation Areas with the aim of preserving or enhancing their character or appearance. To find out if a property is within a conservation area contact Customer Services at at customer.services@bristol.gov.uk.

Many of the City's Conservation Areas are in the central area. They range in character from the medieval and later City and Queen Square Conservation Area to the Georgian and Victorian maritime-orientated City Docks Conservation Area. The outer conservation areas are generally based on the historic villages that surround Bristol and which are now part of the urban area or distinctive housing schemes like the Sea Mills garden suburb.

Conservation Areas are designated by the city council when an area is recognised to have a special character worthy of protection. Before a new Conservation Area is designated the City Council consults local people and amenity societies.

The most recent conservation areas are Arno's Vale, Bishopsworth and Malago, Ashley Down and Bedminster West.

Descriptions and policies for the first 29 Conservation Areas are available in the Conservation Area Enhancement Statements published in 1993.

We are updating our Conservation Area Appraisals and have produced five new Conservation Area Character Appraisals.

Conservation Area Consent may be required for demolition of buildings and works to trees. Advice on the need for Conservation Area Consent can be obtained from the appropriate Area Planning Team.

For more information email conservation@bristol.gov.uk