Draft Over Kellet Conservation Area Appraisal and proposed boundary extension - Further consultation

Over Kellet Conservation Area was designated in 1973. Whilst it has a Conservation Area Assessment, it has never had a full appraisal.

As you may be aware, there has recently been a seven-week public consultation looking at a draft Conservation Area Appraisal for Over Kellet, along with two proposed boundary extensions. This consultation came to an end on 20 January 2025, and we have been considering the comments received.

A number of respondents suggested that a third area ought to be brought within the boundary: the field to the south east of Court House, opposite the Old School House on Nether Kellet Road, as shown on the attached map.

We agree that this field contributes to the dispersed spatial character of this conservation area, forming part of its rural setting, and, as such, should be included within the conservation area boundary. We wish to obtain your views.

Please also note that the base mapping has now been updated to show the recent developments within and adjacent to the Conservation Area, as well as some other minor revisions following the feedback received.

Public consultation

We wish to obtain the views of those with an interest in the proposed new boundary extension. We would welcome any comments you have to make on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal. 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.

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).

What is Over Kellet’s special interest?

We consider that its special interest can be summarised as follows:

• A nucleated settlement of medieval origins around a village green, with a series of smaller core settlements which together form this ‘poly-focal’ settlement. The open land surrounding and penetrating between these cores is a vital component;
• Located on the north side of Kellet Seeds hill, on undulating land, long-distance views towards Morecambe Bay, Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District are provided by the gaps between the core settlements;
• Evidence of a gated village green during the C14, to provide protection during times of unrest;
• A C16 church, St Cuthbert’s, with a Saxon font and cross, with early C13 remains. Restored in the C19. Set within rolling pastureland to the south of the village centre, its tower and elevated churchyard provide far ranging views [PROPOSED];
• A number of “rewarding C17 and C18 houses”, most with dated lintel stones and many retain their chamfered and mullioned windows;
• The village retains its agricultural character with a large number of traditional farm buildings, including farmhouses with attached barns;
• Prevalent use of locally quarried building stone (Millstone Grit and limestone) for walling and boundary walls, occasionally for roof slates;
• A number of interesting elements of the streetscene, including the Village Cross, War Memorial (with another in the churchyard), water pump and water trough, close to the site of the village well;
• A fine early C19 country house, Hall Garth, set in parkland containing some fine mature trees and providing a focal point for the village. The work of Lancaster architect, William Coulthart (1787-1833) (previously attributed to George Webster);
• Other architects whose work appears in the village include Joseph Bintley of Kendal and Joseph Parkinson of Lancaster;
• A Methodist cemetery dating from 1900 in a secluded spot in the corner of Bay Croft Field, provides a peaceful and enclosed green space [PROPOSED]; and
• Historical associations with the Pilgrimage of Grace, the early Quaker movement (George Fox and Robert Withers), the Booker family (of the Booker literary prize) and William Farrer (editor of the Victoria County History Lancashire volumes).

Before commenting we recommend that you read the Conservation Area Appraisal which can be found to the right of this page.

The public consultation starts Friday 14 February 2025 and ends 12 noon on Friday 28 March 2025.

Paper copies of the plan can be viewed at Over Kellet Village Hall, and the documents can be viewed at Lancaster Town Hall and Morecambe Town Hall during office open times.