Noctorum Ridge Proposed Conservation Area Phase 2
It is proposed that the Noctorum Ridge is to be designated a conservation area.
Conservation areas are places of special architectural and historic interest, and their designation helps ensure that their distinctive character and appearance are recognised and preserved for the future. Local authorities have a duty to identify and protect such areas, and the Council is now consulting on the potential designation of Noctorum Ridge.
The Noctorum Ridge area is notable for its exceptionally large mansion houses, constructed between the 1870s and the early 1900s. These buildings, some of which were designed by eminent local architect Edmund Kirby, give the area its particular historic and architectural interest.
The main implications of being included within a conservation area are as follows:
- The Council has a duty to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character and appearance of the conservation area.
- Additional controls apply to demolition.
- Notice must be given to the Council before works can be carried out to trees within the conservation area.
Update on Consultation and Revised Boundary Proposal
Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent consultation on the proposed designation of the Noctorum Ridge Conservation Area.
Following consideration of the feedback received from residents, property owners and other stakeholders, together with further assessment and internal discussions within the Heritage Team, it is now proposed that a revised conservation area boundary be taken forward for consultation.
The revised proposal differs from the boundary previously consulted upon and seeks to create an extended conservation area, focused on those parts of Noctorum Ridge that most clearly demonstrate the area's special architectural and historic interest.
The results report of the initial consultation can been viewed in the Documents panel on this page.
Why is a Revised Boundary Proposed?
Following feedback from the first consultation and further assessment by the Heritage Team, a revised boundary is proposed to better reflect the special architectural and historic interest of Noctorum Ridge.
The revised boundary:
- Focuses on the areas that make the strongest contribution to the character and significance of Noctorum Ridge.
- Follows historic roads, landscape features and established historic settlement patterns.
- Includes coherent groups of significant historic buildings, together with important green spaces and mature landscaping.
- Responds to evidence that the area's character has been affected by the loss of large houses, plot subdivision and infill development.
The revised boundary aims to provide a clearer and more effective basis for conserving and managing the area's special character in the future.
A map showing the new proposed boundary of the Noctorum Ridge Conservation Area is provided below.
To share your views on the proposal to designate Noctorum Ridge as a conservation area, please complete the survey below.
