Conservation Areas in Forest Heath

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, 'the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance."

There is a conservation area in each of the following towns and villages:

• Barton Mills
• Brandon
• Dalham
• Elveden
• Eriswell
• Exning
• Freckenham
• Higham
• Lakenheath
• Mildenhall
• Moulton
• Newmarket
• Santon Downham

Maps showing the conservation area boundaries are in the Forest heath Local Plan, which is available from Planning Services. (see below)

The District Council, using its powers under the Planning Acts, can agree a boundary in consultation with local people and the parish or town council.

A boundary is agreed and designated by the Council following formal consultation. The conservation area becomes operative when it is approved by the Council. It is then advertised in local papers.

The designation of a conservation area does not prevent change. New development may take place or even be encouraged, provided it does not detract from the character of the area.

Planning Applications

Planning applications for new development are judged against national planning guidance and the conservation policies set out in the Forest Heath Local Plan. High quality design is encouraged and new development is expected to 'fit in' with its surroundings. In other words, the design of new development is carefully scrutinised before permission is granted. Anyone wishing to demolish a building in a conservation area is required to seek permission first from the Council.

This is called conservation area consent and is applied for in a similar way to planning permission. There is no fee. Conservation area consent is a control to ensure that buildings or structures which contribute to the character of the area are kept.

If you wish to top, lop or fell a tree in a conservation area, the Council must be informed to enable to assess whether a tree should be preserved. Fruit trees, bushes and certain young trees are exempt, but for further information, contact our Arboricultural Officer.

Minor works

Certain minor works may need planning permission. These include the siting of satellite aerials, external cladding of buildings, new dormer windows and house extensions greater than 50 cubic metres. These works do not need consent outside conservation areas.

However, if you are unsure and need more advice, please contact Planning Services on 01638 719480.

• To explain what is special architecturally and historically about the area, why it was designated a Conservation Area in the first place and if it is still appropriate.
• To move beyond being just an interesting but descriptive ‘so what’ document to one which has clear guidance on the future protection and enhancement of the area.
• To outline any changes since the area was first designated which justify the conservation area boundary either being enlarged or reduced.
• To provide guidance on whether certain parts of the area , usually undeveloped space between buildings, should remain undeveloped to protect the setting of buildings and important views which make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area.
• To provide guidance on what buildings, and features such as historic walls and mature trees/hedges, should be retained or, conversely, whether there are any buildings or features which are out of character which the Council would encourage to be removed and replaced with more sympathetic development.
• To provide guidance on appropriate building materials to be used for repairs and new development.
• To provide guidance on any areas in public ownership, including the public highway, which would benefit from enhancement proposals.
  

Adopted Conservation Area Appraisals

In March 2007 the following conservation area appraisals were adopted by the council:

Brandon
Brandon Conservation Area Appraisal Report  [PDF 9.79MB] 
Maps: Conservation Area Boundary and listed Buildings, Countryside Views and Open Space, Flint Buildings and Walls

Dalham
Dalham Conservation Area Appraisal Report  [PDF 19.2MB]
Maps: Dalham Appraisal Plan, Main Wall Material, Roof Tiles

Eriswell
Eriswell Conservation Area Appraisal Report  [PDF 4.21MB]
Maps: Listed Status, Main Wall Material, Main Window Material, Main Roof Material

Lakenheath
Lakenheath Conservation Area Appraisal Report  [PDF 19.3MB]
Maps: Lakenheath Appraisal Map


Printed paper copies of the appraisal can be obtained by contacting the Forward Planning Team at:

Email: fp@forest-heath.gov.uk
Address: Forward Planning, Forest Heath District Council, District Offices, College Heath Road, Mildenhall, Suffolk, IP28 7EY


Draft Conservation Area Appraisals for Barton Mills, Higham and Moulton

The Council are producing a Conservation Area Appraisal for Barton Mills, Higham, and Moulton.

Copies of the document can be downloaded, or written copies obtained from the contact details below.

Barton Mills DRAFT Conservation Area Appraisal Report  [PDF 20.5MB]
Map: Barton Mills Conservation Area Map

Higham DRAFT Conservation Area Appraisal Report  [PDF 14.4MB]
Maps: Higham Built Environment Map,  Higham Natural Environment and Materials Map

Moulton DRAFT Conservation Area Appraisal Report  [PDF 22.2MB]
Maps: Moulton Built Environment Map, Moulton Views and Open Space Map

The consultation period ran from Monday 17th March 2008 to Friday 2nd May 2008. 

Comments from the consultation will be considered by a meeting of the Planning Committee before the final version of the appraisal is agreed and adopted.  Comments made in earlier, initial consultations will be reported with the responses to this consultation.