[A] NEW guide has been produced which will enhance and maintain Copeland’s conservation areas.
The guide has been produced by Copeland Borough Council and will aim to protect the conservation areas of Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont and Millom, the villages of Beckermet and St Bees and the areas of Hensingham and Corkickle, 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.
The guide has now been adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document by the council and will help the council when considering planning applications. It will also help developers and property owners to consider the possible impact of their proposals on a conservation area’s character.
The document has been supported by funding from the Whitehaven Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) with the aim of leaving a lasting legacy for the borough. The THI is partnership led by Copeland Council and, thanks to National Lottery players, receives almost 50 per cent of its funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund with the balance from Copeland Council, Britain’s Energy Coast and Cumbria County Council.
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.
“We have 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, and as a member of the THI Stakeholder Partnership, 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 is available on the council’s website www.copeland.gov.uk
A hard copy of the document can also be found at the Council’s Market Hall office in Whitehaven and its Millom office. A copy will also be held at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven in addition to the following local libraries; Cleator Moor, Distington, Egremont, Frizington, Gosforth, Millom, Seascale and Whitehaven.
