[A] NEW guide has been produced in order to help enhance and maintain the rich heritage of the borough’s conservation areas, and Copeland Council would like to hear what you think.
The draft Conservation Area Design Guide focuses on the four towns of Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont and Millom, the villages of Beckermet and St Bees and the areas of Hensingham and Corckicle, both in Whitehaven.
The document focuses on maintaining the architectural heritage of the area including advice on everything from the restoration and maintenance of period features to external signage and paint colours.
When adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document, the guide will help the council when considering planning applications and will help developers and property owners to consider the possible impact of their proposals on a conservation area’s character.
Councillor Michael McVeigh, Heritage Champion at Copeland Borough Council, said: “Copeland has a rich architectural legacy that we should be so proud of.
“We have many traditional buildings and street patterns that contribute to the unique character of the borough’s landscape.
“The centres of those towns and villages that have significant architectural and historic value have been designated as conservation areas, giving these special places the additional protection they need and deserve.
“Copeland Borough Council has commissioned this Conservation Area Design Guide to help property owners, designers and builders understand the value of the heritage within our conservation areas, and to ensure that repairs, reinstatements and alterations are undertaken in a way that preserves these important assets.
“As Heritage Champion, I fully endorse the design principles and guidance that this document sets out. We need to ensure our heritage is enhanced and protected for the benefit of our residents and visitors, and for current and future generations to enjoy.”
The document, along with feedback forms, will be available on the council’s website www.copeland.gov.uk/content/conservationareadesignguide from Monday, July 10 until the consultation closes on Friday, August 18.
A hard copy of the document can also be found at the Council’s Market Hall office in Whitehaven and Millom office, in addition to the following local libraries; Cleator Moor, Distington, Egremont, Frizington, Gosforth, Hensingham, Kells, Millom, Mirehouse, Seascale, St Bees and Whitehaven.
Members of the public will have the chance to feedback directly to Copeland Council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative Officer, who will be attending town and parish council meetings in July across the borough, in addition to the following drop-in sessions for local businesses and residents:
- Wednesday, July 12, 1pm – 2.30pm at Cleator Moor Town Council Chamber, Market Square
- Monday, July 17, 5.30pm – 6.30pm at St Bees Village Hall, Finkle Street
- Tuesday, July 18, 4.30pm – 5.30pm at Market Hall, Market Street, Egremont
- Wednesday, July 19, 5.30pm – 6.30pm at Reading Room, Sellafield Road, Beckermet
- Wednesday, July 26, 6pm – 7pm at Pensioners Hall, Mainsgate Road, Millom
- Wednesday, July 26, 1.30pm – 3pm at Market Hall, Market Place, Whitehaven
