Residents are being invited to have their say about a draft conservation area appraisal for Askrigg.
Although Askrigg Conservation Area was officially designated by North Yorkshire County Council in 1987, it was done without any sort of appraisal.
The draft appraisal now published sets out in detail the buildings, features and character that make Askrigg special.
It also identifies ways to conserve and enhance that character and proposes a revision of the Conservation Area boundary.
Julie Martin, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s member champion for cultural heritage, said: “This is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated analysis of the historic character of the village of Askrigg, which has long been one of my favourite places in Wensleydale.
“The village has a very strong and individual sense of place, and this is one of its key attractions. This new document will be an important reference source for years to come.
“We very much hope that the local community will read the draft appraisal and let us have their comments.
“We would especially love to hear local views on how best to manage, conserve and enhance the village’s numerous fine buildings and their stunning landscape setting.”
The document is now publicly available for inspection so that people can voice their opinions and provide feedback about the appraisal.
The draft appraisal and feedback form can be viewed online at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/askriggconservation
Paper copies of the document are available at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority office (Yoredale, Bainbridge, DL8 3EL.
Phone: 0300 456 0030) and with the Askrigg Parish Clerk (please call 01969 650909 or 07917 165204 to make arrangements).
The public consultation period ends on January 2. 2022.
Comments are closed.
On a number of factual points… my recollection is that the then YDNP Committee designated the Conservation Area, not NYCC, as it had designation powers even though it was at that time still a committee of NYCC. Furthermore, there was an appraisal that determined the definition of the boundary and the needs/opportunities for enhancement. Designation of the village allowed Englished Heritage funds to be applied for, resulting in tens of thousands of pounds being spent on overhead wire undergrounding, extensive cobbling repairs and reinstatement in the market place and replacement of the ugly, uneven and patched tarmac pavements in the Main Street with stone flags. English Hertige Town Scheme funding also allowed grants to be offered to property owners for repairs to elements identified in the appraisal as important to the village townscape. Sadly such times are past and central government money is no longer available but Askrigg did benefit significantly from this funding when it was. Today it’s down to individuals to understand and respect the things that make their village special and invest in these for the future.