Hebden Bridge Civic Trust3rd March 2009

Conservation Areas, Appraisals & the Historic

Environment

Chris Edwards & Kate Peach

Conservation Section

Calderdale MBC

Conservation

• What? The historic environment - buildings,

areas, structures and spaces

• Why? Important finite resource, local

history, distinctiveness, special places

• How? The local Council - using legislation &

guidance - often via the planning process - PP, LBC, CAC

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION AREA ?

...defined in the legislation as an

‘area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of

which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’

Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Each conservation area is an interaction of

buildings, spaces and the living environment.

TYPES OF CONSERVATION AREAS

• Dense workers’ terraces and mills - Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, Todmorden

• Model settlements - Akroydon, Copley, People’s Park

• Historic town centres - Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden, Elland, Mytholmroyd, Sowerby Bridge

• Farmsteads and villages - Lumbutts & Mankinholes, Heptonstall, Luddenden, Millbank & Cottonstones, Stainland, Warley

What Extra Protection do Conservation Areas Have ?

• Gives greater control in relation to development and design

• Increases our ability to resist inappropriate development - required to preserve or enhance the character or appearance

• Introduces control over the demolition of unlisted buildings

• Protects trees from felling and pruning without consent

So Giving…..

Better protection for historically important buildings, townscapes and landscapes

• More certainty that the special character and qualities of the area will be taken into account when planning applications are under consideration

ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS IN CONSERVATION AREAS

Consent required for:

• demolition of buildings larger than 115 cubic metres

• certain works which would be classed as permitted development elsewhere, eg. demolition of boundary walls

• dormer windows

• external cladding

• certain sizes of extension

• illuminated advertisements

• satellite dishes on the front of properties

• felling or lopping of trees

... But Conservation Area Legislation has Limitations ...

• It does not mean that there will be no change

• It does not automatically introduce controls over replacement windows and doors, and paint colours

• It does not give controls over works by statutory undertakers - but may influence outcomes

• Although windows and doors in unlisted houses may be altered without consent, we would encourage using traditional designs and materials.

Hebden Bridge Conservation Area

• A town of unique character & history

• Many important buildings

• A vibrant community

Some Key Characteristics

• Historic town centre

• Dense terraces - over and under dwellings - response to topography

• River, road, canal, rail - all influencing development over time

• Recent history & rebirth

CONSERVATION AREA CHARACTER APPRAISALS

A Conservation Area Character Appraisal will:

– define and analyse the special character of an area

– provide a basis for decisions on planning applications

– assist in the development of local plan policies

– help local people to understand, appreciate and protect the special character of their area.

A Conservation Area Character Appraisal

will identify:

• important historic buildings and features • important townscape features• important landscape features• important qualities of the area such as views• distinctive character zones and their special

characteristics• positive and negative attributes of an area

and opportunities for enhancement - the Management Plan.

BOUNDARY REVIEW

• An important part of the Appraisal process

• Are there areas which should be in the Conservation Area?

• Are there areas which should not be in?

The Management Plan

• proposals for the preservation and enhancement of the Conservation Area

• required by legislation

• supported and promoted by English Heritage

• a key part of the Appraisal process

• an important tool for the future of the Conservation Area.

We Need You !

• Civic Trust

• Local history groups

• Local historians

• Residents

• Community groups

• Businesses

Listed Buildings

• What are they?

Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic

Interest

• As defined in the Act.

Grades of Listed Buildings

• Grade I - about 4%

• Grade II* - about 4%

• Grade II - about 92%

But All Are Special !

What is Listed Building Consent?

• The Act states :

– LBC required for the demolition of a listed building;

– for any works for its alteration or extension in a manner which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest;

Applies to all works - internal and external.

Architectural Interest

• Characteristic of a school of design

• Outstanding composition

• Link in chain of architectural development - including landmark buildings of the mechanical and industrial revolution

• Accidental or designed group

Historic Interest

• Sociological interest

- cottages, farm houses, great houses

- regional styles

- not just individual building but the context

- planned architectural groups, showing how society functioned as well as history of architecture.

• Linked to individuals or events

Group Value

• May be greater than the individual parts!

Note - Sentimental interest is not a reason for listing

“A dog is for life not just for Christmas” - RSPCA

A listed building is for the benefit and enjoyment of people in the future - not just for its current owner !

Any Questions ?