Have your say on plans to protect village’s heritage

People are being given another opportunity to share their thoughts on a draft plan to help preserve the historic character of one of South Lakeland’s best-known villages.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) is launching a four-week public consultation on an updated version of the draft Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan. The consultation will run from Thursday 24 November until Thursday 22 December 2022 and people can respond via an online survey, email or post.

The draft plan has been prepared to look at giving a further level of protection to Cartmel’s historic buildings. Changes have been made to the plan following comments received during the first round of public consultation in March and April 2022, as well as further work being carried out. Before the plan is finally considered for adoption, residents, property owners, businesses and community groups are being given another chance to have their say on the proposals to further safeguard the village’s heritage.

Since 1969 the village has been designated a Conservation Area to help protect its historic character. Cartmel is home to dozens of listed properties including its Grade I listed Priory but also features many heritage buildings “of particular merit” that are not listed in their own right. Following extensive research and survey work on the ground, the draft plan proposes that a number of properties be added to a “local heritage list” so their significance can be taken into account when the council considers planning applications affecting these buildings, their site or setting.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “I’d encourage everyone who knows and loves Cartmel to take a look at the draft Conservation Area Management Plan and let us know what they think by completing the short online questionnaire.

“The village is renowned across the world for the beauty and history of its architecture. This draft document is designed to protect Cartmel’s built heritage into the future, while giving residents and property owners clarity regarding the planning consent needed for any works they might like to undertake. Having your property on a local list does not in itself impose any extra planning controls and does not affect the work you can do without planning consent.”

Cllr Chaffey added: “The council is writing to householders and interested parties in Cartmel to let them know about this latest round of consultation. Look out for the letter and tell us your thoughts so that the final, published version of the plan best reflects the community’s views.”

As well as proposing the properties to be added to a local heritage list, the draft plan recommends further controls on the type of works that can be carried out without planning permission to unlisted houses in Cartmel’s Conservation Area. These “permitted developments” currently include new porches, replacement doors and windows, and removal of chimneys.

During the four-week consultation, people are welcome to have their say on proposals that would require planning consent for further changes to the outside of houses (not flats or commercial properties). These proposals are known as Article 4 Directions.

Cllr Chaffey explained: “At this stage the proposals for Article 4 Directions are just that – proposals – and they will not be made by the adoption of the Cartmel plan. They would require a separate legal process but the council would still be interested to hear people’s early views.”

To have your say on the draft Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan:

–        Visit www.southlakeland.gov.uk/CartmelCAMP and fill out the online survey

–        View the documents in person at Kendal Town Hall; libraries at Grange-over-Sands, Kendal and Ulverston; Cartmel Priory (during visiting hours) and Cartmel Village Hall (when open for events)

–        Email the council at development.plans@southlakeland.gov.uk

–        Or write to: South Lakeland District Council, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal LA9 4DQ.

The consultation will close on Thursday 22 December 2022.