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Something that I have been wondering about for quite a while is the possibility of the community commissioning a Conservation Area Appraisal for Buckland. In simple terms it's a thorough investigation of the archaeology and history of a conservation area, followed by an assessment of what makes the place special (character, appearance, special historical points) and also proposes ideas for protection and enhancement the conservation area. (I’ve included an extract from Government guidance below). Even though a conservation area appraisal carries significant weight in planning decisions, they can be written in an easy style!
They are usually undertaken by the relevant District Council but they rarely have the resources to undertake them especially in large rural areas where there are often multiple conservation areas. There isn’t one for Buckland.
I think that many people in our community would enjoy reading about the village in this way, it will uncover much that we don’t know, it will be useful to people planning to build in or near the village to understand what might be acceptable, it will be an educational resource, and it will help in assessing planning applications.
As it stands I don’t know how much such an appraisal would cost, so at this point all I would suggest is that a Brief is written to go out to tender for the work. The funding could then be decided and if its all too much then the idea could be dropped. My guess is that it could be around 10k.
Many thanks, Fiona
Government has issued guidance on conservation area appraisals. In formal terms a conservation area appraisal:
"defines the special interest of the conservation area that merits its designation and describes and evaluates the contribution made by the different features of its character and appearance”.
The government's guidance states that the benefits are as follows:
"Benefits of appraisal
18 A character appraisal of the conservation area will have the following enduring benefits:
- Those considering investment in the area for new development, including developers, planners, Council members, the Planning Inspectorate and Secretary of State, are able to assess the impact of proposals on the area’s special interest, character and appearance. The appraisal will be a material consideration in decisions affecting the area
- The area’s special interest is clearly demonstrated allowing robust analysis of the impact of proposals on its significance
- Opportunities to build and understand consensus on the character that it is desirable to preserve or enhance are taken, which can be used to inform robust planning decisions
- The local community is empowered to explore the sense of their place and express what they value about the place in which they live and work, providing an informative resource for decision- making, neighbourhood-planning and educational use
- Communities are alerted to the cumulative effects of minor change on an area’s character and how they can contribute to maintaining and enhancing that character
- Management proposals for the preservation or enhancement of the area will be informed by an understanding of positive features to preserve, negative features to be enhanced, and risks to the area’s character or appearance through decay, neglect or other threats. This will help to identify necessary actions, such as additional protection and restraints (including the use of Article 4 directions) or support through intervention or partnership working
- The archaeological interest of the area is better understood, perhaps by identifying and mapping archaeologically sensitive areas, thus helping to guide development towards less sensitive locations
- Potential Assets of Community Value which might usefully be recognised under the Localism Act 2011 and the Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations 2012 and for their possible current (recent) and realistic future use for the social well-being or social interest of the local community are identified – see Historic England advice on Assets of Community Value
- Potential Local Green Spaces are identified that should receive protection under the NPPF as demonstrably special because of their historic significance, local character and proximity to the community who value them – see Historic England advice on Local Green Space"
The link to the full document is here: https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/conservation-area-appraisal-designation-management-advice-note-1/
I think that's a great idea Fiona. I think we are in a weak position in relation to planning if we have not articulated in any detail what makes Buckland so special. Some us have researched our house histories and there are several people in the Parish (including me) who are interested in the history of Buckland in general. Joe Turner and Ted Lewis have generously shared what they know through their publications, and I am sure there is much more knowledge and resource that has not been shared. I think that we could ourselves contribute a lot to a community appraisal, and maybe even start the ball rolling ourselves.
Some other thoughts:
The Buckland Living History website is a good introduction to the history of the village, but I understand that it can't be updated or added to. It would be great if it could form a hub for local history research in the Parish.
Other parishes have incorporated a section on the history of the parish in their community led plans. I wonder whether we should do the same? If anyone is interested in seeing how other parishes have done this, email (jim@jsdouglas.org.uk) or whatsapp me and I will send examples of CLPS that have this.
I think this sounds a very interesting idea Fiona and worth exploring. I'd certainly be interested in reading it. Jim, I also like your idea about the Buckland Living History website potentially being a hub for history research in the village.
The Buckland Living History website was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of Phase 2 of the church roof restoration works. It certainly can be updated - through me! I update it with progress on the church roof restoration and am just compiling the final insert. Perhaps, from this discussion a local history group might form which would also run this website? It is named "Living History" so that it can record and reflect contemporary events. Currently the digital input is managed via a volunteer in Hinton Waldrist so a Buckland volunteer would be great.
Until the matter of why Buckland is a conservation area is resolved we will be open to development of a kind that may be inappropriate and unpopular with villagers. The prospect of houses being built at Buckland Mead is a case in point. It will surely be well worth the cost of commissioning a report outlining the reasons for Buckland’s conservation status.
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