A public consultation has been launched about plans to create a new conservation area in the Lake District.
The Lake District National Park Authority wants to create the conservation area along the eastern shore of Windermere.
It said it would help safeguard its cultural legacy, the Windermere Villas.
The Windermere Villas are the Victorian villas, mansions, boat houses, gardens, significant trees and parks built by industrialists on the lake’s eastern slopes.
Rose Lord, built environment adviser at the Lake District National Park Authority, is putting forward the proposal.
She said: “From the late 18th century, Windermere’s scenery drew visitors and inspired some of the first conservation efforts.
“Over the following decades, wealthy industrialists built grand estates designed to complement the landscape’s natural beauty.
“These shaped perceptions of the Lake District, including poets like Wordsworth and artists, and are ultimately recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
Today, many of the historic villas are open to the public, operate as hotels or are highly visible from the lake, including Storrs Hall, Broad Leys and Blackwell.
The authority added that it was approved, the status would help manage change in the area, ensuring the unique character of the villas and their setting was respected in future planning decisions.
Rose added: “The Windermere Villas are more than just fine houses – they are part of the cultural fabric that helped shape how the Lake District is seen and valued today.
“Built with care to enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, they tell the story of a time when appreciation of this special place was growing alongside early efforts to protect it.
“We would love to hear people’s views on creating an extra level of protection through the status. That includes those of locals, businesses, interest groups, partners and visitors.
“By considering conservation area status, we have the opportunity to recognise the significance of this area and ensure that its unique character is safeguarded for generations to come.”
The consultation is open until Sunday October 26.
For more details and to take part, visit: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/planning/conservationareas/windermere-villas-conservation-area/_nocache
