Mill Field Estate Conservation Area

Colchester Conservation Area 5: Mill Field Estate

Designation

In February 2019, the Local Plan Committee formally designated the Mill Field Estate Conservation Area.

View the Conservation Area

• Interactive Map
• Conservation Area Map (JPEG)

Key Documents

• Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Proposals
• Designation Notice
• Article 4 Direction Notice

Article 4 Direction

The Local Plan Committee also approved the use of an Article 4 Direction for the new Conservation Area in order to secure more effective control over alterations that could alter its distinctive character and cohesive quality.

Residents generally enjoy what are known as “permitted development” rights, which allow certain types of small-scale work to be undertaken to a property without the need to apply to the council for planning permission.

The effect of an Article 4 Direction is to withdraw certain of the permitted development rights. This means that in future, residents wishing to carry out the work specified in the Direction will need to make and to obtain Planning Permission from the council, before they can undertake these works.

Planning permission will be required for the following works:

• enlargement or other alteration of a dwellinghouse.
• alterations to a roof of a dwellinghouse.
• erection or construction of a porch outside any external door of a dwellinghouse.
• provision of buildings etc. incidental to the enjoyment of a dwellinghouse
• provision of hard surfaces incidental to the enjoyment of a dwellinghouse.
• erection, construction, maintenance or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure.
• painting of the exterior of any building or work.
• the installation or alteration etc. of solar equipment on domestic premises.

What designation means

Extra planning controls are in place to manage development without preventing progress. All changes must consider and protect the area's special interest.

Repairs and maintenance

Property owners are encouraged to use traditional methods and materials for repairs. Replacement should only occur when it clearly benefits the area's character.

Planning permission

Permission is required for new buildings or extensions. Applications must include full details and consider the visual and historic impact of changes. Heritage Appraisals or Design and Access Statements should describe any affected heritage assets.

Further information For more information, visit Historic England.

For personalised advice or to discuss a project before applying, contact the Council’s Planning Department or view our Pre-application Advice.