Western Escarpment Conservation Area overview

Western Escarpment Conservation Area

This leaflet has been prepared by the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Steering Group (consisting of representatives from Hale, Woodgreen, Godshill, Hyde and Ellingham, Harbridge & Ibsley Parish Councils and Ringwood and Fordingbridge Town Councils) working with the New Forest National Park Authority. The leaflet provides advice and information for anyone living, working or with an interest in the Western Escarpment Conservation Area. It explains: what a conservation area is; why it was designated; how it affects you and where to obtain further advice.

About the conservation area

The Western Escarpment Conservation Area was designated on 26 March 2008. It lies on the western boundary of the New Forest National Park and, at approximately 14 kilometres in length and 2.5 kilometres at the widest point, is the largest conservation area in the National Park.

It extends from Hangersley in the south to Hatchet Green in the north, taking in parts of the parishes of Hale, Woodgreen, Godshill, Hyde, Ellingham, Harbridge & Ibsley, Fordingbridge and Ringwood. The conservation area includes typical Forest landscape and a variety of buildings of architectural and historic interest.

A full description of the conservation area can be found in the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Character Appraisal on the National Park Authority website, or contact the Authority for a copy.

Repair, restoration and improvement

Older properties need regular and sympathetic maintenance. Unfortunately ‘restoration’ does not always restore and ‘improvements’ don’t necessarily improve historic buildings. Good restoration is a skilled business. It is very often the accumulation of small changes carried out over a number of years that can end up harming the special character of a building. Construction details and materials are very important, so look carefully at existing buildings in the area for ideas. Removing or replacing parts of a building will reduce its historic value. From the conservation point of view it is always better, where possible, to repair features such as chimneys, doors and windows. If replacement is the only option, use the existing feature as a pattern.

Listed buildings

If a building is listed, additional controls apply to works which affect the appearance or character of both the outside and inside of a property. If in doubt ask for advice before you start work. Legislation is complex and changes from time to time, so contact the National Park’s Building Conservation Officer for up to date advice.

Example: Fine Grade II* late 17th century listed building which was altered in the 18th century.

How can I find out more and get advice?

Further reading

The following can be found on the National Park website:

• Core Strategy & Development Management Policies DPD (December 2010)
• Design Guide
• Buildings of local interest
• Village Design Statements e.g. Hyde VDS
• Western Escarpment Conservation Area Character Appraisal

National guidance:

• National Planning Policy Framework
• Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

If you do not have access to a computer and would like to refer to any of these documents please contact the New Forest National Park Authority at:

Further contacts

• Royal Institute of Architects
  Telephone: 0207 580 5533
  Email: info@riba.org

What is a conservation area?

A conservation area is defined in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as: ‘an area of special architectural and historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’.

It is the quality and character of the area, not just the individual buildings, which are the prime considerations in designating a conservation area. The focus is on the built environment.

What can I do?

As an owner or a developer you can have a direct impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area:

• Think carefully before carrying out any significant repairs or new works to your property, and please check to see if consent is required for what you wish to do (e.g. erecting a new fence).
• Check the condition of your building regularly and carry out repairs before more significant problems occur.

You don’t need to be an owner or developer to have an influence on the quality of the conservation area:

• Comment on planning applications. Tell the National Park Authority or your Parish Council what you do or don’t like about proposed developments. This can be done in a letter or by email.

If you have time, why not explore the history of your local area? There are several local history publications and societies in the area.

Planning in a conservation area

Planning in this area is the responsibility of the New Forest National Park Authority. Planning applications are determined against the National Park Authority’s Core Strategy policies. These can be found on the National Park Authority’s website.

Development in a conservation area can require more detailed information to support a planning application, such as a Heritage Statement explaining how the proposed development relates to existing buildings in the area, the materials to be used etc. An outline application for development in a conservation area is generally not considered sufficient.

Applications that would affect the character or appearance of the conservation area are advertised (through local papers and by site notices) and the public have the opportunity to comment. Parish and town councils and amenity societies are also consulted as part of the planning process. Proposals for development outside the conservation area may also be included in this process, if it could affect the views into and out of it.

If you are thinking of submitting a planning application for development in the conservation area, it may be helpful to use a planning agent; and if the proposals are significant, or on a sensitive site, consider appointing an architect familiar with this type of work. Advice on employing an architect can be obtained from the Royal Institute of Architects (contact details above).

Design of new development

The National Park Authority has a duty to ensure that the character of a conservation area is preserved or enhanced when considering applications for development. New development that makes a positive contribution to the area will be acceptable provided it meets planning policies.

Attention should be paid to ensuring that proposed new works do not harm the special character of the conservation area, and that buildings are sympathetically designed and complement the best that is already there.

For more guidance refer to the National Park Authority’s Design Guide: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/design_guide

Conservation Area Consent

Conservation Area Consent is normally needed to demolish all, or the substantial majority of, any building with a total cubic content exceeding 115 cubic metres.

Consent is also needed for the entire removal or construction of any gate, wall, fence or railing more than one metre high abutting a highway, public footpath or open space, or more than two metres high elsewhere.

If you are not sure, check with the planning team at the National Park Authority.

Consent is not normally granted for the demolition of buildings which make a positive contribution to the character of the conservation area. If you are considering proposals to redevelop a site within the conservation area, conservation area consent will be needed to demolish existing buildings and this should be submitted at the same time as the planning application for any replacement buildings.

Buildings of local interest

There are a number of buildings of local interest within the Western Escarpment Conservation Area. These are unlisted buildings which do not have the same protection as statutorily listed buildings, but are important nonetheless for the contribution they make to the character or appearance of the conservation area. To check if your property has been identified as a building of local interest, refer to the ‘My Property’ facility on the National Park Authority’s website.

Trees

Trees in the conservation area have similar protection to those covered by Tree Preservation Orders. It is an offence to carry out works to trees without prior written consent from the Local Planning Authority. You should write to the National Park Authority giving six weeks’ notice of your intention to carry out any such works.

A free explanatory leaflet Protected Trees – a guide to Tree Preservation Procedures is available from the National Park Authority or for further advice on trees, contact the National Park Authority’s Tree Officers.

Outbuildings

Outbuildings are an essential part of rural character. Many outbuildings have been built randomly over time in response to agricultural or rural needs. Local saw mills produce simple outbuildings in traditional forms. These are in marked contrast to sectional and prefabricated concrete buildings and garages that can mar a locality.

Two storey outbuildings can impact badly on boundaries and neighbourliness. Outbuildings should be incidental and subservient to the dwelling in scale and appearance.

Opportunities

• Harmonise with the main building and respond to style, profile and materials, avoiding impacts on existing trees and enclosure.
• Use natural and mellow materials that help merge with outside space and complement landscape. Bulky elements of brick, block and painted render can have a converse effect.
• Recycle water; direct roof and surface water to water butts, permeable surfacing, sumps and safe natural ponds.

Outbuildings need to be distanced from boundary and neighbour impacts. They should not compete in size with the main building. Outbuildings can diminish in scale to respond to different uses while minimising bulk. Simple structures, while not contributing much to character, can play their part, especially when using robust natural materials and green roofs.

Directory / Building types

Before employing an agent or architect ask to see examples of their work and the fees charged, to make sure they are suitable for your needs.

Map and copyright note

This map is re-produced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. New Forest National Park Authority. Licence no. 1000114703 2008. New Forest National Park boundary © Crown Copyright and Database Right 2013. Ordnance Survey 1000114703.

New Forest National Park Authority

Produced by the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Steering Group. December 2013. NPA 00070.