Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 - Planning and the Historic Environment (September 1994), stresses the need for local planning authorities to make an assessment of the special interest, character and appearance of all conservation areas in their district.
English Heritage guidance, published in 1997and further updated in 2006, provides detailed advice for Local Planning Authorities to use in undertaking the assessments envisaged in PPG15.
As a means of ensuring that the advice set out in PPG15 is met, the Council has approved a comprehensive programme of conservation area character appraisals, for use in connection with the review of both existing and as a pre-requisite for the designation of new conservation areas. This is set out in the Tables below:
Programme of Conservation Area Character Appraisals 2008-2014
|
Conservation Area
|
2008-2010 |
2010-2012 |
2012-2014
|
| Existing |
Bonsall |
Brailsford |
Callow Hall
|
| Existing |
Hulland |
Snelston |
Mapleton |
| Existing |
Lumsdale |
Hognaston |
Matlock Dale
|
| Existing |
Riber |
Kirk Ireton |
Norbury |
| Existing |
Old Matlock |
Kniveton |
Rocester |
| Existing |
Somersal Herbert |
Osmaston |
Stanton Lees |
| Existing |
Shirley |
N/A |
N/A |
| Proposed |
Longford |
Doveridge |
Marston Montgomery |
| Proposed |
Bradbourne |
Two Dales |
Starkholmes |
Conservation areas were introduced through the Civic Amenities Act in 1967 and are areas of ‘special’ architectural or historic interest, which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Local Planning Authorities are required to designate conservation areas, keep them under review and if appropriate designate further areas. In exercising their planning powers Local Planning Authorities will pay particular attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. It is important that the Local Planning Authority has a clear definition of the special qualities of a Conservation Area in order to formulate policies for the area, which will protect the quality of the environment.
Conservation Area Character Appraisals
In order to define the special interest or a Conservation Area, the Local Planning Authority undertakes Conservation Area Character Appraisals. Central Government provides guidance on how these Appraisals should be carried out. In Derbyshire Dales there are 32 Conservation Areas and a programme /timescale has been established, by the District Council, for carrying out Appraisals for these areas. Each conservation area may be quite unique and in undertaking an appraisal the following are taken into account:-
- Location and population
- Origins and historic development
- Archaeological significance
- Architectural and historic quality including key buildings, building materials and architectural details
- The setting of the Conservation Area
- A Landscape Appraisal – contribution of trees, hedges and other natural features
- An analysis of the character and relationship of the buildings and spaces within the area
- The negative factors
- The neutral factors
- A Justification for the boundary and recommendations for amendment (either areas to be included or removed)
- Conservation policies & legislation
An Appraisal should be objective and provide a sound basis for development control and for initiatives to promote the area.
Ashbourne Conservation Area Appraisal
Ashbourne Conservation Area was designated in 1968 and the boundary extended in 1972 and in 1979. It was further extended in May 2008. An exceptionally high number of listed buildings are situated within the Conservation Area, many of which display high quality architecture.
The Ashbourne Conservation Area Character Appraisal was undertaken in 2007 and approved in May 2008. The Appraisal considered the special qualities and interests of the Conservation Area such as its archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and the setting of the conservation area and the negative and neutral factors affecting the area. Due to Ashbourne retaining historic surfacing, a comprehensive Surface Audit was also carried out. The document also included recommendations for amending the boundary of the Conservation Area, principally by proposing localised areas / structures for inclusion.
In May 2008 Derbyshire Dales District Council approved the Ashbourne Conservation Area Character Appraisal, including the proposed alterations to the boundary. This approval was made following a comprehensive public consultation exercise and a consideration of the views received. The Conservation Area Appraisal and the relevant Report and Minutes can be viewed by using the links below.
00 - Front Cover, Contents and Summary (PDF)
01 - Ashbourne in Context (PDF)
02 - Architectural Significance (PDF)
03 - Origins and Development (PDF)
04 - Archaeological and Historic Quality - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 (PDF)
05 - Settings (PDF)
06 - Landscape Appraisal (PDF)
07 - Analysis of Character Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 (PDF)
08 - Negative Elements Part 1, Part 2 (PDF)
09 - Neutral Elements (PDF)
10 - Justification (PDF)
11 - Conservation Policies (PDF)
12 - Appendix (PDF)
Committee Report and Minutes (PDF)
Please note that all of the above sections comprise the Ashbourne Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
Paper copies of the document are available for purchase at £30.00 per copy or on CD for £5 per disc. Plans can also be inspected at Planning Reception, Town Hall, Bank Road, Matlock.
Brassington Conservation Area Appraisal
Brassington Conservation Area was designated in 1971 and extended in January 2008.
The Brassington Conservation Area Character Appraisal was undertaken in 2007 and approved in January 2008. The Appraisal looked at the special qualities and interests of the area such as it's archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and the setting of the conservation area and negative and neutral factors affecting the area. The document also included recommendations for amending the boundary of the conservation area (exclusions and inclusion).
In January 2008, following comprehensive public consultation, the Conservation Area Appraisal for Brassington was approved by Derbyshire Dales District Council. Alterations to the boundary were made as a result of this exercise and the relevant report and minutes can be viewed by using the links below.
Report to Committee (PDF)
Minutes of Committee Meeting (PDF)
To view, and download the Brassington Conservation Area Appraisal please click on the links below:-
00 - Contents and Summary (PDF)
01 - Context (PDF)
02 - Origins and Development (PDF)
03 - Archaeological Significance (PDF)
04 - Architectural and Historic Quality (PDF)
05 - Setting (PDF)
06 - Landscape Appraisal (PDF)
07 - Analysis of Character (PDF)
08 - Negative Factors (PDF)
09 - Neutral Factors (PDF)
10 - Justification for Boundary (PDF)
11 - Conservation Policies (PDF)
Appendix
Please note that all of the above sections comprise the Brassington Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
Paper copies of the document are available for purchase at £30.00 per copy or on CD for £5 per disc. Plans can also be inspected at Planning Reception, Town Hall, Bank Road, Matlock.
Castletop, Lea Bridge & High Peak Junction Conservation Area Appraisal
Castle Top, Lea Bridge & High Peak Junction Conservation Area was designated in 1990 and extended in December 2006, following a comprehensive appraisal of the area.
The Castle Top, Lea Bridge & High Peak Junction Conservation Area Conservation Area Character Appraisal is now completed. The Appraisal looked at the special qualities and interests of the area such as it's archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and the setting of the conservation area. The document also included recommendations for amending the boundary of the conservation area.
Following public consultation, this document was approved by Derbyshire Dales District Council in December 2006.
To view, and download, the Castle Top, Lea Bridge & High Peak Junction Conservation Area Conservation Area Appraisal click on the links below
Section 1 (PDF) Click Here
Section 2 (PDF) Click Here
Please note that all the above sections comprise the Castle Top, Lea Bridge & High Peak Junction Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
Paper copies of the document are available for purchase at £30.00 per copy or on CD for £5.00 per disk. Plans can also be inspected at Planning Reception, Town Hall, Bank Road, Matlock.
Cromford Conservation Area Appraisal
Cromford Conservation Area was designated in 1971 and extended in 1978, 1990, 2006 and 2007.
In 2006 a comprehensive Character Appraisal was carried out for the Conservation Area. The Appraisal assessed the special qualities and interests of the area such as its archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and setting of the conservation area. The document also included recommendations for amending the boundary of the Conservation Area to its southern and eastern boundaries. Following public consultation, amendments to the Conservation Area boundary were approved by Derbyshire Dales District Council in December 2006.
In 2007 public concern regarding the approved boundary changes led to further public consultation and a further review. In September 2007 Derbyshire Dales District Council approved revised boundaries to both the southern and eastern areas of the Conservation Area.
The Cromford Conservation Area Character Appraisal has been updated to indicate the 2007 boundary changes and Figure 14 illustrates the approved boundary of the Conservation Area.
To view, and download, the Cromford Conservation Area Appraisal click on the links below:
Section 1 (PDF) Click Here
Section 2 (PDF) Click Here
Section 3 (PDF) Click Here
Please note that all the above sections comprise the Cromford Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
Paper copies of the document are available for purchase at £30.00 per copy or on CD for £5.00 per disk. Plans can also be inspected at Planning Reception, Town Hall, Bank Road, Matlock.
To view, and download, the Planning Managers Report, 'Cromford - Reconsultation on extended Conservation Area' which was presented to the Partnership and Regeneration Committee on 20th September 2007 click on the link below:
Cromford - Reconsultation on extended Conservation Area
Matlock Bank Conservation Area Appraisal
Matlock Bank Conservation Area was designated in 1986 and extended in December 2007, following a comprehensive appraisal of the area.
The Matlock Bank Conservation Area Character Appraisal was approved in December 2007. The Appraisal looked at the special qualities and interests of the area such as it's archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and the setting of the conservation area and negative and neutral factors affecting the area. The document also included recommendations for amending the boundary of the conservation area (exclusions and inclusion).
In December 2007, following comprehensive public consultation, the Conservation Area Appraisal for Matlock Bank was approved by Derbyshire Dales District Council. Alterations to the boundary were made as a result of this exercise and the relevant report and minutes can be viewed by using the links below.
Report to Committee (PDF)
Minutes of Committee Meeting (PDF)
To view, and download the Matlock Bank Conservation Area Character Appraisal please click on the links below:-
00 - Contents and Summary (PDF)
01 - Context (PDF)
02 - Origins and Development (PDF)
03 - Archaeological Significance (PDF)
04 - Architectural and Historic Quality Part a and Part b (PDF)
05 - Setting (PDF)
06 - Landscape Appraisal (PDF)
07 - Analysis of Character (PDF)
08 - Negative Factors (PDF)
09 - Neutral Factors (PDF)
10 - Justification for Boundary (PDF)
11 - Conservation Policies (PDF)
Appendix (PDF)
Please note that all the above sections comprise the Matlock Bank Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
Paper copies of the document are available for purchase at £30.00 per copy or on CD for £5.00 per disk. Plans can also be inspected at Planning Reception, Town Hall, Bank Road, Matlock.
Matlock Bath Conservation Area Appraisal
Matlock Bath Conservation Area was designated a Conservation Area in 1972 by Derbyshire County Council and extended in 1978 to include areas of landscape fundamental to the area.
The Matlock Bath Conservation Area Character Appraisal was completed in 2006. The appraisal looks at the special qualities and interests of the area such as it's archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and the setting of the conservation area, the negative and neutral factors of the area and its boundary.
To view, and download the Matlock Bath Conservation Area Character Appraisal click on the links below:
Section 1 (PDF) Click Here
Section 2 (PDF) Click Here
Section 3 (PDF) Click Here
Please note that all three documents comprise the Matlock Bath Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
Matlock Bridge Conservation Area Appraisal
Matlock Bridge Conservation Area was designated a Conservation Area in 1989 by Derbyshire Dales District Council. Conservation Area Character Appraisals have now been completed for the original Conservation Area (2003) and an extension to the Conservation Area (2008).
Both appraisals considered the special qualities and interests of the area such as it's archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and the setting of the conservation area. The 2003 document was undertaken in association with a Heritage Economic Regeneration Grant Aid Project. The Grant Scheme commenced in 2003 and terminated in 2007. In 2006 Consultants, on behalf of Derbyshire Dales District Council, carried out a Conservation Area Appraisal for a proposed Extension to the Matlock Bridge Conservation Area. The appraisal provided an analysis of the special character and appearance of the area of Matlock, around Crown Square and Hall Leys Park and made recommendations for a boundary, which extends the existing Matlock Bridge Conservation Area. In March 2008, a six-week public consultation period was held. This ended on 17th April 2008. The final document has now been approved (July 2008) and will help to guide future development within the extended Matlock Bridge Conservation Area, and preserve / enhance that special character.
To view and download, the Matlock Bridge Conservation Area Character Appraisal documents click on the links below:
Matlock Bridge Conservation Area Character Appraisal (2003)
Matlock Bridge Conservation Area Character Appraisal (As extended 2008)
00 - Front Cover and Contents (PDF)
01 - Introduction (PDF)
02 - Archaeology (PDF)
03 - Origins and Development (PDF)
04 - Architectural and Historic Quality (PDF)
05 - Setting of the Conservation Area (PDF)
06 - Landscape and Streetscape Appraisal (PDF)
07 - Spatial Relationships and Character (PDF)
08 - Negative Factors (PDF)
09 - Neutral Factors (PDF)
10 - Rationale for CA Extension (PDF)
Committee Report and Minutes July 2008 (PDF)
All of the above documents make up the Matlock Bridge Extension Conservation Area Appraisal.
Paper copies of the document are available for purchase at £30.00 per copy or on CD for £5.00 per disk. Plans can also be inspected at Planning Reception, Town Hall, Bank Road, Matlock.
Sudbury Conservation Area Appraisal
Sudbury Conservation Area was designated a Conservation Area in 1969 by Derbyshire County Council and is an early designation following the Civic Amenities Act in 1967.
The Sudbury Conservation Area Character Appraisal was completed in 2005. The appraisal looks at the special qualities and interests of the area such as it's archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of the buildings and spaces, the landscape and the setting of the conservation area, the negative and neutral factors in the area and made recommendations for amending the boundary. The amended boundary of Sudbury Conservation Area was approved in December 2005.
To view, and download, the Sudbury Conservation Area Character Appraisal click on the links below:
Section 1 (PDF) Click Here
Section 2 (PDF) Click Here
Please note that both documents comprise the Sudbury Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal
Wirksworth Conservation Area was designated a Conservation Area in 1970 and was extended in 1976.
The Wirksworth Conservation Area Character Appraisal was completed in 2001.
To view and download the Wirksworth Conservation Area Character Appraisal please use the link below:
Wirksworth Conservation Area Character Appraisal