Residents and organisations in South Derbyshire are being invited to have their say on draft documents attempting to capture the defining characteristics of conservation areas.
Conservation areas are places of ‘special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. There are currently 22 in South Derbyshire.
Character statements - explaining why an area has been designated with the status and what makes it special – have been drawn up for all areas.
South Derbyshire District Council is currently asking residents for views on character statements for the conservation areas in alphabetical order, starting with
- Aston on Trent,
- Barrow on Trent,
- Bretby,
- Etwall,
- Lullington,
- Kings Newton,
- Melbourne,
- Milton,
- Newton Solney,
- Netherseal and
- Repton.
Consultation is expected later in the year for
- Shardlow,
- Smisby,
- Stanton by Bridge,
- Swadlincote,
- Swarkestone,
- Ticknall,
- Trent and Mersey Canal,
- Trusley,
- Twyford,
- Walton on Trent and
- Woodhouses.
Philip Heath, Heritage Officer at the District Council, said: “Character statements for these areas will help to ensure that their character and general appearance is better understood and safeguarded for the future.
“It is important that residents and organisations give their views on the documents as they are intended for use by all parties in the preparation and determination of planning applications.”
All the documents can be viewed at www.south-derbys.gov.uk; as hard copies at libraries in Etwall, Melbourne, Swadlincote and Woodville, or at the Council Offices. Details on how residents can make comments are included.
Comments are invited until 8 April 2011. The draft statements will then be amended as appropriate before being submitted to the Environmental and Development Services Committee for adoption.
