Archived press release

Date Published: 18/02/08

A new conservation area is being recommended for one of Aylesbury Vale’s most historic villages. At a meeting of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet last night (12 February), councillors gave their backing to proposals to create...

A new conservation area is being recommended for one of Aylesbury Vale’s most historic villages.

At a meeting of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet last night (12 February), councillors gave their backing to proposals to create a new rural conservation area in Akeley.

The proposed conservation area would focus on the historic core of the village and include buildings in Lillingstone Road, Main Street, The Square and Chapel Lane.

There are a number of listed buildings within the suggested area, including Old Century Cottage, Little Northover and Verendale on The Square, as well as many fine examples of unlisted buildings which make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the village.

Conservation areas are put in place to protect areas of particular historical or architectural interest. They increase control on certain types of development, for example demolition, size of permitted extensions, the positioning of satellite dishes and the felling or pruning of trees.

AVDC carried out a detailed appraisal of Akeley last year to identify its special character and suggest proposals for enhancement. Letters were sent out to residents in the area and a public exhibition was held for people to give their views on the council’s proposals.

Feedback from residents was overwhelmingly in support of a new conservation area and comments and suggestions made by the local community have helped shape the appraisal. Once adopted, the document will be used to guide planning officers when assessing planning applications in the new conservation area. 

Councillor Sue Polhill, Cabinet Member for Planned Development, said: “The new conservation area will mean that we can protect buildings, historic views and ensure harmonious, sympathetic development in Akeley. By designating buildings and land as part of a conservation area, we are not stopping growth. It simply means new developments must preserve or enhance the character of the area.” 

AVDC’s cabinet has also approved character appraisals and boundary alterations to conservation areas in Bierton, Dinton, Westlington, Upton and Gibraltar. The existing conservation areas were reviewed and several amendments put forward have now been recommended for approval.

Proposed changes include protecting an area of archaeological importance between Dinton and Upton and linking together three of the existing conservation areas in Bierton.

Full council will decide whether to adopt the new Akeley conservation area, and extend the boundaries of the Bierton, Dinton, Westlington, Upton and Gibraltar conservation areas, when it meets on 5 March.