Ashwell - Conservation Area Appraisal

Consultation on Ashwell's Conservation Area Appraisal has now closed.

Introduction

Ashwell Conservation Area was designated in 1999 and is one of 34 conservation areas in Rutland. In 2004, additional planning controls in the form of an Article 4 Direction were introduced.

The purpose of a conservation area is not to prevent development but to manage change so that it reflects the special character of the area. The County Council pays special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character of a conservation area.

To identify the elements that make up the special character, the County Council is preparing conservation area appraisals and management proposals. These aim to specify what is important about a conservation area and what measures could be taken to protect it. If adopted by the County Council, the appraisal would be a material consideration when considering future planning applications.

Summary of special interest

The appraisal identifies the following elements as being important to the special character of Ashwell:

•  The informal arrangement and low height of buildings;
• The origins as an estate village, and particularly the influence  of buildings designed in the 1850s by the prominent Victorian architect William Butterfield, which create a special architectural interest;
• The low density, resulting in an open, spacious character with widespread trees and greenery.

Management Proposals

A copy of the proposals map, which identifies important buildings, open spaces and views within the village, is available to view below.

To protect Ashwell’s special character it is suggested that the current Article 4 Direction be retained. This means that planning permission is required to make alterations to the external appearance of houses.

Files:

Summary leaflet

Ashwell Conservation Area Appraisal Report

Ashwell Conservation Area Appraisal Map

Response form