Archived press release

Date Published: 02/03/07

Aylesbury Vale District Council has agreed to make changes to the boundaries of the conservation areas in Whaddon to help protect the historic built environment for future generations. The High Street and Stock Lane conservation areas were first ...

Aylesbury Vale District Council has agreed to make changes to the boundaries of the conservation areas in Whaddon to help protect the historic built environment for future generations.

The High Street and Stock Lane conservation areas were first designated in 1990, and with increased pressures likely to be exerted upon the village by the future growth of Milton Keynes, the council felt it was necessary for the existing boundaries to be strengthened.

The decision to alter the boundaries follows an appraisal of the conservation areas and public consultation on the proposed amendments. The review focused on issues such as listed buildings, the importance of open spaces and views into and out of the conservation areas, along with many other important factors.

A number of additions to and subtractions from the conservation areas have been approved, one of the most notable additions being Windy Ridge. This area was the location of a radio station during the Second World War and also includes Mill Mound, a Bronze Age burial mound which was later used as the foundation for a windmill, and the grade II listed Church Hill Farm.

Some modern properties in the High Street, Church Hill, Church Lane, Nash Road and Vicarage Road have been removed from the existing conservation areas as part of the appraisal.

Whaddon has a varied range of properties in terms of age, style and character. Whaddon Hall, an early 19th century country house built on the site of a former manor, St Mary’s Church and Church Hill Farm are examples of the fine architecture in the village.

Councillor Carole Paternoster, Cabinet Member for Planned Development, said: “The conservation area designations seek to ensure the preservation and enhancement of areas and buildings of special architectural and historic interest which are an important part of the district’s heritage. The Whaddon conservation areas are of considerable architectural and historic interest and I am therefore very pleased that we have been able to take these steps to help protect our heritage for future generations.”

Conservation area designation recognises an area’s special architectural and historic interest and the desirability of preserving its character by introducing additional planning controls. In conservation areas, normal ‘permitted development’ rights (permission granted automatically for certain works to single family dwelling houses) are restricted enabling more control over the size, design and location of extensions and alterations.

The Whaddon review is the latest in a series of appraisals for selected conservation areas in Aylesbury Vale to help ensure that their special qualities are not harmed by inappropriate development. Residents in Nash are currently being consulted on proposed changes to the conservation areas in their village.

Plans of the approved boundary changes for Whaddon will be available to view at the council’s High Street offices in Aylesbury. They will also be available on the council’s website at a later date. For more information contact Freya Burden on 01296 585748 or email fburden@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk