Next steps
We have reviewed the feedback received from both rounds of public consultation and a revised boundary with accompanying Appraisal and Management Plan will go to the National Park’s Authority meeting for approval on 24 June 2026. Committee papers are available to view on the 24 June 2026 Authority Committee page.
Why is the Windermere Villas area special?
- Unique collection of internationally significant villas and their associated designed landscapes
- Harmonious integration of architecturally rich villas within the beauty of the landscape
- Rich collection of vernacular buildings and vernacular inspired buildings
- Public green spaces around The Glebe and Cockshott Point
- Pastoral landscape overlaid with designed landscape
- Generously laid out residential plots, terraced gardens with a wide mix of species
- Collection of small villas and houses with a remarkably strong coherence of building typology
- Verdant lakeshore with significant individual trees and woodland areas
- Contribution of local Pattinson building firm over several decades
- Collection of historic boat houses
Frequently asked questions
A Conservation Area is an area identified as having special architectural and/or historic interest where the character and appearance of that area is desirable to conserve or enhance.
The purpose of the Conservation Area is to promote and support development that is in keeping with, or enhances the special character of the area. It is not intended to stifle change within the proposed boundary; it is intended as a tool to positively manage change.
We are responsible for the designation and review of Conservation Areas. This is a statutory requirement under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
The designation of the conservation area brings extra controls on the demolition of some buildings, walls and means of enclosure (known as relevant demolition). Relevant demolition without a planning application is a criminal offence. Conservation area designation would also bring some slight changes to permitted development rights for renewable energy installations. Most permitted development rights however remain unchanged.
Alterations and development within a conservation area should conserve or enhance the special character of that area; planning applications should include a heritage statement which sets out how the proposed work conserves or enhances the conservation area.
Work to trees is also controlled in a conservation area and in cases involving all but the smallest of trees you must notify the authority six weeks before work begins, this allows us to consider whether a Tree Preservation Order should be made on the tree, or if work can continue. In conservation areas, all trees with a trunk diameter of more than 75mm (measured at 1.5m above ground) are protected by law. Undertaking unauthorised tree works in a conservation area is an offence and risks prosecution.
We can introduce more sensitive controls through an ‘Article 4 Direction’, to manage alterations. Such Directions prevent the loss of important historic features and details which contribute to the area’s character such as original roof slates, doors, windows, boundary walls and other architectural details. But reasonable alterations which are of good quality are permitted. Such controls currently only exist in the Keswick Conservation Area. We have to have good reason to introduce an Article 4 Direction and must take account of public views before doing so. An Article 4 Direction is not currently being considered for the new conservation area – if, in the future, we consider greater controls are necessary, this will be subject to further public consultation.
