Orton’s unique historical development and character are being protected for future generations to enjoy after the village was designated a Conservation Area by Eden District Council. The village’s changed status came into effect on 3 August 2009 and is the 24th Conservation Area in the District outside of the Lake District National Park.
Councillor Richard Turner, Eden District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning Policy said: “Orton is an area rich in history and character and these attributes are worthy of protection by conservation area status. The vast majority of people who responded to our consultation on this process were in favour of the designation. Children from Orton Primary School also became place detectives for a term, discovering the history and wildlife of the village and were keen to see it protected.”
Orton village has medieval origins, with many of its existing buildings dating from the 17th century. The village is highly unusual as it still has a Manor Court that continues to meet, with continuous records stretching back to 1756. The village has developed around an area of central fields bordered by two streams. It is characterised by open views, greenery and trees.
Conservation Area status means Orton will enjoy added protection from poor quality or inappropriate development and there will be greater control over the demolition of some buildings, walls and work to certain trees.
Trees have special protection in Conservation Areas, no cutting, removal, wilful damage or destruction of any tree over 75mm in diameter at 1.5m above ground level is allowed without giving prior notification to the Council’s Planning Policy Section. Residents should seek the advice of the Council’s arboriculturist before carrying out any work to trees in conservation areas to determine if the tree will be subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
There are few exceptions to these restrictions and a person doing anything to a tree in a conservation area that would normally be prohibited by a TPO can be prosecuted, unless permission has been given by the Council or six weeks have elapsed since notice of intention to carry out the work was submitted and there has been no reply from the Council. For more information see TPOs.
Conservation Area status can help to secure external funding for environmental, community and other improvement schemes.
A Conservation Area Boundary and Character Appraisal that outline Orton’s special qualities as a Conservation Area can be viewed at Eden District Council’s Town Hall and Mansion House offices or at Shap and Penrith libraries. For more information contact the Council’s Senior Planning Policy Officer (Conservation and Design) tel: 01768 212158 or email: loc.plan@eden.gov.uk
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