Clifftown conservation area is situated on the clifftop in Southend overlooking the estuary. It was designated a Conservation Area in 1968 and later extended twice to its present boundaries. The buildings in Clifftown Conservation Area have an important place in the history of the town - the Georgian Royal Terrace and the Victorian Cliff Town Estate mark the first major attempts to develop Southend as a seaside resort and as a residential town. Its building styles and planned layout overlooking the estuary give the area its own charm and character. For further information on the History and Special Interest of Clifftown see The History and Special Interest of Clifftown Conservation Area.
Development in the Conservation Area
Minor works to most houses in the conservation area which would normally be classed as permitted development (works that can be undertaken without planning permission) such as changing windows or roofing materials are covered by the Clifftown Article 4 Direction and a planning application (no fee) must now be made. This enables the Council to control aspects of local character which make an important positive contribution to the conservation area. For further details on the Clifftown Article 4 Direction
The updated Conservation Area appraisal for Clifftown Conservation Area (adopted March 2022), makes a recommendation to update the Article 4 direction for this area, and work is underway to review this, although currently the Clifftown Article 4 direction is as per the information provided on this page.
All development in the Conservation Area including extensions and alterations such as changing windows and roofing materials should follow guidance set out in the Design and Townscape Guide, in particular Section 9 Historic Buildings. It is always advisable to review the Clifftown Article 4 Direction and to check with the Council if planning permission is needed before undertaking any works to the exterior of a property in the conservation area.
Further Information
Clifftown Conservation Area Appraisal
Clifftown Conservation Area Map (see Page 4)