How do I know if my house is in an Architectural Conservation Area?

Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) are designated as part of a local authority's Development Plan, so the most reliable starting point is the plan's maps and written statement schedules, which show the precise boundary of each designated area, usually down to individual property level. These are published on the council's website, typically alongside the Record of Protected Structures, and many local authorities also provide an interactive online map viewer where you can search by address to see whether a property falls within an ACA boundary.

Because ACA boundaries can be quite specific, sometimes covering one side of a street but not the other, or a historic core but not later infill development nearby, it is important to check the actual boundary line on the map rather than assuming based on the general area or townland name. If the online mapping is unclear or you cannot access it, the planning department can confirm status by phone or email, and this is generally a quick, free query.

It is also worth checking whether your property is separately listed as a protected structure, since ACA status and individual protected structure status are different designations that can apply together or independently, and each carries its own implications for what works need planning permission.