Conservation advice and policy

Conservation advice

We offer guidance and advice to owners, agents, researchers and the general public on a range of conservation issues. Including appropriate repair methods for historic buildings.

General queries

These are dealt with by Customer Services. For example, whether a building is listed or if a site is within a conservation area. Email them at customerservices.ptsd@bristol.gov.uk.

More detailed advice

These are provided by Conservation officers. For example, on the extent of building listing as well as policy and designation issues.

You may also wish to visit our ‘Know Your Place’ webpage. This contains a wide range of historic environment information, including Listed Building locations and Conservation Area Boundaries.

We also produce documents such as Conservation Area Character Appraisals. These provide guidance on how the City can continue to change whilst keeping its character.

Advice on schemes

We provide specialist advice which helps shape the continuing evolution of the city. This involves working with colleagues in the Planning team to assess changes which affect the historic environment.

Planning, listed building or conservation area consent

For scheme advice that will require planning consent, listed building consent or conservation area consent please contact Customer Services 0117 922 3000 or: development.management@bristol.gov.uk .

Development control officers will then liaise with conservation officers.

English Heritage and the Conservation Advisory Panel

For certain types of proposals we will also seek the advice of English Heritage and Bristol's Conservation Advisory Panel.

For further information please contact us. 

Conservation policies

The protection and enhancement of the historic environment is controlled nationally by:

• the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, 1990 and by
• the National Planning Policy Framework (Particularly section 12 which refers to the Conservation and enhancement of the historic environment).

At local level, control over development in the historic environment is covered by the Adopted Bristol Local Plan. Policies are contained in the Built Environment chapter.

Also of particular relevance are Policies B13 to B22. Policies on the Built Environment within the adopted Core Strategy.