Question 1

When is a newspaper notice required for a conservation area designation, variation, or cancellation?

Accepted Answer

PLBCAA 1990 s.70(8) requires that notice "shall be published in the London Gazette and in at least one newspaper circulating in the area of the local planning authority, by that authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State." The obligation arises for designation under s.69, for any variation to a conservation area boundary, and for cancellation of a designation. Gazetted handles the local-newspaper placement; the London Gazette notice must be filed separately by the authority directly at thegazette.co.uk.

Question 2

Does gazetted file the London Gazette notice on our behalf?

Accepted Answer

No. PLBCAA 1990 s.70(8) places the Gazette publication duty "by that authority" — it is a statutory obligation of the local planning authority (or the Secretary of State), not a service Gazetted can discharge on their behalf. Gazetted's service covers the local-newspaper insertion only. The Gazette notice must be filed directly at thegazette.co.uk; Gazetted does not interact with the Gazette API for conservation area notices.

Question 3

Which newspaper will the notice appear in?

Accepted Answer

We match a suitable local newspaper circulating in the area of the conservation area using your postcode, in line with the s.70(8) requirement for "at least one newspaper circulating in the area of the local planning authority." This ensures the designation, variation, or cancellation notice reaches the community directly affected. You can check your matched newspaper before placing an order using the postcode tool above.

Question 4

What information is needed to place the notice?

Accepted Answer

You will need: the conservation area name, the local planning authority, the sub-type (designation, variation, or cancellation), a description of the area's boundaries and character, the special architectural or historic interest that justifies designation (for designation and variation notices), the date the authority resolved to make the designation, the date it takes effect, and the address where designation documents can be inspected. The wizard collects all of these fields and generates the statutory notice text for your review before publication.

Question 5

What planning controls does a conservation area designation bring, and does the notice trigger them?

Accepted Answer

Conservation area designation under PLBCAA 1990 s.69 brings strengthened planning controls over demolition of buildings, works to trees, and the character of the area. The newspaper and Gazette notices under s.70(8) are a statutory publication requirement that accompanies the designation resolution — they notify the public that the designation has been made and where the documents can be inspected. The controls take effect from the date of designation, not from the date of newspaper publication.

Question 6

Are there any additional notification requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to newspaper advertisement, the local planning authority must notify the Secretary of State, Historic England (in England) or Cadw (in Wales), and display notices within the area. The newspaper notice is one part of a wider notification process. Additionally, the designation, variation, or cancellation must be published in the London Gazette — mandatory under PLBCAA 1990 s.70(8). gazetted handles the local newspaper placement; the Gazette notice is filed separately by the local authority at thegazette.co.uk.

Question 7

Can a heritage consultant place this notice on behalf of a local planning authority?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under PLBCAA 1990 s.70(8) the duty to publicise a conservation-area notice falls on the local planning authority, but the LPA may engage a heritage consultant to handle the publication mechanics on its behalf. The placer should confirm in the order wizard that they are acting on behalf of the LPA. See the statute at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/section/70.

Conservation area newspaper notices

The legal requirement

Key points

What you receive

Proof PDF

Publication certificate

VAT invoice

Frequently asked questions

Ready to place your conservation area notice?