The current Scottish legislation is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.
They can designate any area of 'special architectural or historic interest' whose character or appearance is worth protecting or enhancing.
In exceptional circumstances, Historic England can designate conservation areas in London, but it has to consult the relevant Borough Council and obtain the consent of the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.
[14] Local authorities have additional powers under planning legislation to control changes to buildings in a conservation area that might usually be allowed without planning permission in other locations, for example changing the appearance of windows, adding external cladding or putting up satellite dishes.
[15] Enforcement of conservation areas varies, dependent on the resources and priorities of the local authority, and many fail to meet expectations.
[17] The law generally requires that anyone proposing to cut down or carry out any work on any tree, with a stem diameter of more than 75 mm (3"), when measured at 1.5 metres (5') height above ground level, in a conservation area must give the planning authority six weeks' notice of their intentions to do the work.
Several exemptions from the need to notify exist including for removal of dead trees, the prevention or abatement of (legal) nuisance and for the implementation of planning permission.