2.26 Eden District has a fine historic
environment including many attractive villages and outstanding
examples of both vernacular and fine architecture drawing upon
local materials. In addition there is evidence, both archaeological
and within the built form of settlements, of the growth,
development and change which has taken place in the past. This
historic environment together with the natural environment give the
District its distinct and attractive character. It is essential
that this be considered, respected, protected and enhanced for its
own cultural, historic and social value and as one of the
District's most important assets.
2.27 Certain buildings and areas enjoy special
recognition. Some 1950 of the finest buildings and structures
within the Local Plan area have been listed because of their
particular architectural or historic interest. Fourteen
conservation areas have been designated, reflecting their special
character and the Council has a programme for further such
designations. In addition, several historic parks and gardens have
been identified as of particular value while there are also many
scheduled Ancient Monuments and sites of recognised archaeological
value.
2.28 Within the built context of the District's
settlements there are a number of undeveloped open spaces such as
orchards, garths, paddocks and greens, which make an essential
contribution to their character. It is important, in seeking the
balance described in Plan Principle 3, that such areas of amenity
importance are accorded a high measure of protection.
2.29 However, as with the natural environment,
it is also important to remember that the District's heritage and
built environment forms a backdrop to developing and evolving
communities whose economic and social needs must be accommodated.
Given the inevitability of development this must be controlled in
terms of its scale, siting and design to complement and reinforce
rather than conflict with the local character.
2.30 The District's heritage is also a valuable
economic asset. The growing tourist industry depends upon its
attractiveness to draw visitors to the area. Further, traditional
buildings represent a resource which may be sensitively adapted to
meet modern requirements and contribute to the well being of the
rural economy in a way which has little impact on the
environment.
2.31 The objectives set out below, which derive
from Plan Principles 2 and 3, have been identified for that part of
the Local Plan dealing with the built environment. The subsequent
paragraphs set out the associated policies, proposals and
supporting text.
Objective 6 to protect the
District's built environment from insensitive or inappropriate
change.
Objective 7 to preserve or
enhance buildings, landscapes and areas of cultural, historic or
archaeological interest including conservation areas, historic
parks and gardens, areas of archaeological interest and listed
buildings and their settings
Objective 8 to afford special
protection to areas of public or private open space identified
within settlements as having particular amenity value.
Objective 9 to promote the
enhancement of the built environment through the use of high
standards of design and a careful choice of materials for all
development.
Objective 10 to encourage the
sympathetic and appropriate reuse of existing buildings, especially
those which make a contribution to the special character of their
locality.
Objective 11 to promote forms
of development which will help to combat crime.
