The borough has 39 Conservation Areas which cover many parts of Guildford town centre and many of the villages in the rural area.  

A Conservation Area usually has a combination of the following:

• buildings of high architectural quality
• an interesting and attractive layout
• an interesting or important social history

Demolishing a structure or building in a Conservation Area
For permission to demolish a structure or building in a conservation area please visit our planning pages where you can download an application form and guidance notes.

How do I check to see if an address is in a Conservation Area?
You can check to see if a particular address is in or adjacent to a Conservation Area by viewing our online maps.

Through policies in our Local Plan, we make sure that every planning application in a Conservation Area is assessed to ensure high quality design. To find out more read Chapter 11 of our Local Plan.  Also visit our publication page where you can view supplementary planning guidance on residential extensions, residential design and shop front design. 

Trees
Trees often make a valuable contribution to the character of Conservation Areas.  We have specific powers to protect trees within our borough by making 'Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)'.  Special provisions also apply to trees within designated Conservation Areas.  The purpose of TPOs is to protect trees that make a significant impact on their local surroundings. For more information please visit our protected trees page.

Conservation Team
Planning Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444664 
Email: conservation@guildford.gov.uk