IntroductionOver Kellet Conservation Area was designated in 1973. Whilst it has a Conservation Area Assessment, it has never had a full appraisal.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 conservation area appraisal, (view in the documents section to the right) for Over Kellet, we are seeking your views on it.Over Kellet&rsquo;s summary of special interest has been defined as follows:<ul type="disc"><li>A nucleated settlement of medieval origins around a village green, with a series of smaller core settlements which together form this &lsquo;poly-focal&rsquo; settlement. The open land surrounding and penetrating between these cores is a vital component;</li><li>Located on the north side of Kellet Seeds hill, on undulating land, long-distance views towards Morecambe Bay, Arnside &amp; Silverdale National Landscape, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District are provided by the gaps between the core settlements;</li><li>Evidence of a gated village green during the C14, to provide protection during times of unrest.</li><li>A number of &ldquo;rewarding C17 and C18 houses&rdquo;, most with dated lintel stones and many retain their chamfered and mullioned windows.</li><li>The village retains its agricultural character with a large number of traditional farm buildings, including farmhouses with attached barns.</li><li>Prevalent use of locally quarried building stone (Millstone Grit and limestone) for walling and boundary walls, occasionally for roof slates;</li><li>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.</li><li>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).</li><li>Other architects whose work appears in the village include Joseph Bintley of Kendal and Joseph Parkinson of Lancaster</li><li>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).</li></ul><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW191197563 BCX0"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW214551785 BCX0">Boundary review and recommendations It is proposed to extend the conservation area boundary to include Bay Croft Field, on the north side of Cockle Hill. This would connect the two parts of the conservation area which are currently detached. The inclusion of the Methodist Cemetery, a significant space in terms of the village&rsquo;s historic narrative as well as well as providing a peaceful green space.To the south of the village centre is the village church of St Cuthbert&rsquo;s and Kirk House Farm. The open land between these listed buildings and the conservation area boundary provides an important component of the setting of all these designated heritage assets. Bringing the village church and this land within the boundary of the conservation area would seem the natural thing to do. The line of the suggested western boundary follows the line of the old route of the Nether Kellet Road, now a track, which passed to the west of the church until the early C19. These suggested boundary changes can be seen on the map to the right of this page.</div></div>What is the effect of conservation area designationConservation 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 <a href="https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/conservation/conservation-areas">council website</a>, (external link).We have prepared a conservation area appraisal (view in the documents section to the right) to assess the character and appearance of the area that make it worthy of designation.Public consultationWe now wish to obtain the views of those with an interest in the area on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal and proposed conservation boundary changes for the Over Kellet area. We would welcome comments from the local community and other interest groups 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&rsquo;s Cabinet. The City Council will consider all representations, including suggestions for alternative boundary proposals or for rescinding the proposed designation.The public consultation starts Monday 2 December 2024 and ends 12 noon on Monday 20 January 2025.

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