The Council pays particular attention to design matters when considering planning applications, including for its own developments, to ensure that the character of the area is enhanced and protected.

Roof Extensions and dormers, chimney stacks and pots
The existing roofs are very important to the character of the area. These include a variety of types such as exposed pitched roofs, mansards, gables and front parapets with hidden roofs.

The predominant character of the Canonbury Conservation Area is residential, although there are shopping frontages on St. Paul's Road, Essex Road and Canonbury Place which provide local services and are an important contribution to the character of the area.

The Council's prior permission, known as Conservation Area Consent, is required to demolish almost any type of building or substantial part of a building in the area.

Many properties in the area still retain original architectural features both externally and internally. These include double hung timber vertical sliding sash windows, panelled front doors, fanlights with leaded lights, ornamental iron work to railings and balconies, stucco cornices and window surrounds, stone entrance steps, porticos and door cases.

There are special controls over what requires planning permission in the Conservation Area and these have been strengthened by an Article 4 Direction which is in force. this means that planning permission is required for various minor external works which had previously been considered as 'permitted development'.

External decorative plasterwork was originally painted off-white or in pastel colours, often to resemble stone.

All trees in the Conservation Area, including those in rear gardens, are protected.

Existing York stone paving, cobblestones, granite setts and kerbs and cast iron coal hole covers are important features and must be retained intact.