Broughton Conservation Area

Why is Broughton special?

Broughton Conservation Area is a historic settlement in Low Furness, renowned for its unique combination of medieval origins, a planned Georgian town square, and a distinct rural character situated between the low fells and the Duddon Estuary. It’s special character includes:

• Historic settlement originating as a string of hamlets beside a winding and undulating medieval Furness coastal road;
• Rural setting in Low Furness situated between low fells and the Duddon Estuary;
• Sloping topography giving rise to interesting views both into, out of and within the town;
• Well-preserved examples of local Cumbrian stone-built vernacular architecture;
• Good examples of Victorian residential and commercial buildings from the post-railway era;
• Majority of buildings have architectural and historic interest, 20 of which are grade II listed buildings, and many others which make a positive contribution to the area’s historic character and appearance;
• Rural views from within the conservation area, and from its outer edges, to Kirkby Moor, Thwaites Fell and the Duddon Estuary;
• Trees that enhance the setting of historic buildings and soften the streetscene, most notably in The Square and St Mary’s Churchyard;
• Green open spaces such as St Mary’s churchyard and the garden/former railway space in front of Lodge Terrace that are important wildlife areas;
• Prevalent use of local stone as a walling and roofing material, reflecting the underlying geology of the area;
• Surrounding countryside that presses right up against the urban form of the town and to the rear of roadside plots;
• Active agricultural market that contributes to a strong sense of a living working town with a distinctive rural Cumbrian character.