Consultation - Draft Heysham Conservation Area Appraisal

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Heysham Conservation Area (CA) was designated in 1972 and was last reviewed in 1998 when a conservation area appraisal was carried out. The CA was reduced in size in 1999.

The CA has again been reviewed, and an up-to-date draft conservation area appraisal has been prepared.

Conservation Area Appraisals define the special interest (significance) of a conservation area, identify the risks to its character and appearance, review the boundary, are a material consideration and used to inform robust planning decisions and are the starting point for actively managing these significant areas. We have prepared a draft conservation area appraisal (view in the documents section to the right) for Heysham and are seeking your views on it.

The Conservation Area’s summary of special interest has been defined as follows:

  • A settlement with likely origins stretching back 12,000 years, with a fine-grained Main Street of probable medieval origins;
  • Archaeological sites of exceptional significance, including St Patrick’s Chapel and St Peter’s Church and their associated cemeteries;
  • A wealth of early medieval sculpture within St Peter’s Church and churchyard, including evidence of possible Scandinavian or Hiberno-Norse Trade;
  • Heysham’s renowned dramatic panoramic views across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland fells;
  • A large number of C17 and C18 cottages and other buildings, many with dated lintel stones, associated with the village’s agricultural and fishing industries;
  • Characterised by the prevalent use of local Millstone Grit for buildings and boundary walls, with slate and some stone slate roofing, and cobbled forecourts;
  • Larger dwellings of landmark quality including the notable C17 Greese House/Old Rectory and the polite early C19 Manor House;
  • The village’s cultural heritage as a tourist destination, with aspects that have been retained, including its tea rooms and nettle drink.

Historical associations:

  • J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) visited Heysham in 1816 and produced a number of sketches from which he painted Heysham and Cumberland Mountains in 1818;
  • Rev. Dr T. M. Whitaker (1759-1821), Rector of Heysham from 1813-19, commissioned Turner to provide the illustrations for his History of Richmondshire, which features descriptions of Heysham;
  • John Ruskin (1819-1900), influential writer and critic during the Victoria period, and supporter of Turner. He visited Heysham to experience his painting for himself, which he described in his works Modern Painters and Elements of Drawing;
  • William Woodhouse (1857-1939), prolific and admired artist of the late C19 and early C20, who was born in and lived in Morecambe and Heysham. The area was the subject of a number of his paintings. He is buried in St Peter’s churchyard.

Boundary review and recommendations

It is proposed to extend the conservation area boundary to the north east to incorporate the junction of St Mary’s Road and Knowlys Road, which would include the pair of listed cottages (no.s 7 & 9 St Mary’s Road). In addition, it is suggested that the late C19 development at the south western end of Knowlys Road, previously known as Woborrow Terrace (no.s 52-64) are included. These larger C19 properties are among the first to have been developed as Heysham rapidly expanded from the late C19. They reflect Heysham’s development as seaside resort, alongside its neighbour, Morecambe, throughout the C19. As a group they are also prominent, featuring in numerous views across the conservation area looking east

Additionally, it is proposed to include the open field at the western end of Knowlys Road, on the seaward side, which is overlooked by the properties mentioned above. This is thought to be the viewpoint, known as ‘Turner’s View’, from where J.M.W. Turner produced his sketches which were to result in his painting of 1818, Heysham and Cumberland Mountains.

These suggested boundary changes can be seen on the map to the right of this page.

What is the effect of conservation area designation

Conservation areas help to protect our historic environment and the sense of place which is valued by the local community. Designation provides protection to historic buildings and features in the area to prevent the character from being eroded through demolition and inappropriate development. Further information about conservation areas can be found on the council website(External link).

Public consultation

We now wish to obtain the views of those with an interest in the area on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal and proposed conservation boundary change for the Heysham Conservation Area. We would welcome comments from the local community and other interest groups on the content of the conservation area appraisal and the proposed boundary extensions. You may wish to provide general comments or respond to the questionnaire.

Once we have received responses to the consultation, we intend to report to a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet. The City Council will consider all representations, including suggestions for alternative boundary proposals.

The public consultation ends (date coming soon)

Heysham Conservation Area (CA) was designated in 1972 and was last reviewed in 1998 when a conservation area appraisal was carried out. The CA was reduced in size in 1999.

The CA has again been reviewed, and an up-to-date draft conservation area appraisal has been prepared.

Conservation Area Appraisals define the special interest (significance) of a conservation area, identify the risks to its character and appearance, review the boundary, are a material consideration and used to inform robust planning decisions and are the starting point for actively managing these significant areas. We have prepared a draft conservation area appraisal (view in the documents section to the right) for Heysham and are seeking your views on it.

The Conservation Area’s summary of special interest has been defined as follows:

  • A settlement with likely origins stretching back 12,000 years, with a fine-grained Main Street of probable medieval origins;
  • Archaeological sites of exceptional significance, including St Patrick’s Chapel and St Peter’s Church and their associated cemeteries;
  • A wealth of early medieval sculpture within St Peter’s Church and churchyard, including evidence of possible Scandinavian or Hiberno-Norse Trade;
  • Heysham’s renowned dramatic panoramic views across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland fells;
  • A large number of C17 and C18 cottages and other buildings, many with dated lintel stones, associated with the village’s agricultural and fishing industries;
  • Characterised by the prevalent use of local Millstone Grit for buildings and boundary walls, with slate and some stone slate roofing, and cobbled forecourts;
  • Larger dwellings of landmark quality including the notable C17 Greese House/Old Rectory and the polite early C19 Manor House;
  • The village’s cultural heritage as a tourist destination, with aspects that have been retained, including its tea rooms and nettle drink.

Historical associations:

  • J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) visited Heysham in 1816 and produced a number of sketches from which he painted Heysham and Cumberland Mountains in 1818;
  • Rev. Dr T. M. Whitaker (1759-1821), Rector of Heysham from 1813-19, commissioned Turner to provide the illustrations for his History of Richmondshire, which features descriptions of Heysham;
  • John Ruskin (1819-1900), influential writer and critic during the Victoria period, and supporter of Turner. He visited Heysham to experience his painting for himself, which he described in his works Modern Painters and Elements of Drawing;
  • William Woodhouse (1857-1939), prolific and admired artist of the late C19 and early C20, who was born in and lived in Morecambe and Heysham. The area was the subject of a number of his paintings. He is buried in St Peter’s churchyard.

Boundary review and recommendations

It is proposed to extend the conservation area boundary to the north east to incorporate the junction of St Mary’s Road and Knowlys Road, which would include the pair of listed cottages (no.s 7 & 9 St Mary’s Road). In addition, it is suggested that the late C19 development at the south western end of Knowlys Road, previously known as Woborrow Terrace (no.s 52-64) are included. These larger C19 properties are among the first to have been developed as Heysham rapidly expanded from the late C19. They reflect Heysham’s development as seaside resort, alongside its neighbour, Morecambe, throughout the C19. As a group they are also prominent, featuring in numerous views across the conservation area looking east

Additionally, it is proposed to include the open field at the western end of Knowlys Road, on the seaward side, which is overlooked by the properties mentioned above. This is thought to be the viewpoint, known as ‘Turner’s View’, from where J.M.W. Turner produced his sketches which were to result in his painting of 1818, Heysham and Cumberland Mountains.

These suggested boundary changes can be seen on the map to the right of this page.

What is the effect of conservation area designation

Conservation areas help to protect our historic environment and the sense of place which is valued by the local community. Designation provides protection to historic buildings and features in the area to prevent the character from being eroded through demolition and inappropriate development. Further information about conservation areas can be found on the council website(External link).

Public consultation

We now wish to obtain the views of those with an interest in the area on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal and proposed conservation boundary change for the Heysham Conservation Area. We would welcome comments from the local community and other interest groups on the content of the conservation area appraisal and the proposed boundary extensions. You may wish to provide general comments or respond to the questionnaire.

Once we have received responses to the consultation, we intend to report to a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet. The City Council will consider all representations, including suggestions for alternative boundary proposals.

The public consultation ends (date coming soon)

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Page published: 18 Jul 2025, 06:36 AM