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 some house extensions. 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.
Conservation
Area
Appraisals
The
council is producing conservation area appraisals for the
conservation areas in the District, these documents aim
to:
- 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
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
Moulton
Moulton Conservation Area Appraisal Report [PDF
21.6MB]
Maps:
Built Environment Map,
Views and Open Space 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
Conservation Area Appraisals for Barton Mills,
Higham and Newmarket
The Council adopted Conservation Area Appraisals for Barton Mills,
Higham and Elveden on 28th May 2008; and Newmarket on 23rd
September 2009.
Copies of the draft documents can be downloaded, or
written copies obtained from the contact details below. (The
amended adopted copy of the appraisals will be put on the website
once published).
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
Elveden
DRAFT Conservation Area Appraisal
[PDF 4.46MB]
Newmarket
DRAFT Conservation Area Appraisal
Report
Current Consultation on the draft
Freckenham and Mildenhall Conservation Area Appraisals
The Council are currently producing Conservation Area Appraisals
for Freckenham and Mildenhall. A consultation is being
held on the draft appraisals from 16th November 2009 to 8th
January 2010. If you have any comments on the draft document
then please put them in writing either by email to:
boyd.nicholas@forest-heath.gov.uk
or letter to: Boyd Nicholas, Forward Planning Department, Forest
Heath District Council, District Offices, College Heath Road,
Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7EY.
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.
Freckenham
DRAFT Conservation Area Appraisal Report [PDF
20.3MB]
Map:
Freckenham
Mildenhall
DRAFT Conservation Area Appraisal
Report [PDF
2.14MB]