Village’s special character to be further protected
Written by John Williamson on 03/03/2022
People are being invited to have their say 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 today launching a public consultation on the draft Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan, which includes an online survey and a drop-in event at Cartmel Village Hall on Friday 25 March.
Cartmel is home to dozens of listed buildings including its Grade I listed Priory, and since 1969 the village has been designated a Conservation Area to help protect its historic character.
The draft Management Plan has been prepared to look at giving a further level of protection to the village’s historic buildings when planning applications are considered by the council.
This document is designed to:
– Set out guidance to protect the Conservation Area’s special character
– Identify the unlisted buildings and significant features that are of “particular merit”
– Consider the case for further controls on permitted development
– Help secure any buildings at risk.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Portfolio Holder for Housing and the South Lakeland Local Plan, said: “Cartmel is one of the jewels in South Lakeland’s crown. The village is known around the world for its wonderful architecture, the medieval Priory, the racecourse, the Michelin-starred L’Enclume restaurant and, of course, Cartmel sticky toffee pudding.
“This lovely village has been a Conservation Area for more than 50 years and for the past few years we have been exploring ways to ensure its special character continues to be protected for future generations. Extensive survey work has been compiled and used to inform the draft Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan.
“I would encourage everyone who knows and loves Cartmel to share their views on the plan, which sets out how SLDC is proposing to further preserve and enhance the Conservation Area.”
One of the plan’s considerations is whether to introduce further controls on the type of works that can be carried out without planning permission to unlisted houses in the Conservation Area. These “permitted developments” currently include new porches, replacement doors and windows, and removal of chimneys.
As part of the consultation, people are being asked to give their views on proposals that would require planning permission for further changes to the outside of houses (not flats or commercial properties) facing a road or open space. These proposals are known as Article 4 (2) Directions.
The draft plan also notes that “long-term aspirations” to help protect and enhance the Cartmel Conservation Area include a one-way system for the village centre and improvements to The Square.
To view the draft Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan and have your say via the online survey, go to: https://www.southlakeland.gov.uk/CartmelCAMP
People can also respond by email or post. The six-week consultation runs until 14 April 2022 and SLDC is holding a drop-in event for members of the public at Cartmel Village Hall on Friday 25 March from 2pm to 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, find out more and share their views.
