About the Seaham Conservation Area
The Seaham Conservation Area covers about 45 hectares and was designated by Durham County Council in 1997. Inside the boundary are 9 listed buildings (1 Grade II*, 8 Grade II). The most significant is The Londonderry Institute and Forecourt Wall, Grade II*. Part of the area lies in flood zone 3, so an extension may need a flood risk assessment.
What changes inside the conservation area
Conservation areas are “Article 2(3) land”. You keep most permitted development rights, but these are removed or tightened.
- Rear extensionElsewhere: 3 m · 6 m with PANo 6 m / 8 m prior approval
- Two-storey extensionElsewhere: 3 mNeeds planning permission
- Side extensionElsewhere: Half the widthNeeds planning permission
- Loft conversionElsewhere: 50 m³Needs planning permission
- Garden roomElsewhere: 2.5 m high by boundariesNot beside the house
- PorchElsewhere: 3 m²Same limits
- Solar panelsElsewhere: 0.2 m projectionSame limits
- Air source heat pumpElsewhere: 1 unitNot facing the road
- Fences, walls and gatesElsewhere: 2 m · 1 m by a roadSame limits
- External claddingElsewhere: Matching materialsNeeds planning permission
- Tree workElsewhere: No notice6 weeks’ notice to the council
- Demolition (over 115 m³)Elsewhere: AllowedNeeds planning permission
Limits for a semi-detached house under the GPDO 2015. An Article 4 direction can remove more.
Listed buildings in the conservation area
Any work affecting these needs listed building consent, inside or out. Each links to its entry on the National Heritage List.
- The Londonderry Institute and Forecourt WallGrade II*
- 1,2,3 and 4, Bath TerraceGrade II
- Church of St John the EvangelistGrade II
- Church of St Mary MagdalenGrade II
- Inner North Dock WallsGrade II
- North and South Inner Piers Adjoining to East of Inner North DockGrade II
- Police StationGrade II
- Seaham War MemorialGrade II
- Statue of the 6th Marquess of Londonderry in Front of Police StationGrade II
Nearby conservation areas
Boundary and listed buildings from Durham County Council and Historic England via planning.data.gov.uk (OGL). Guidance only — not an official council check.