Colne conservation area bid ‘supported by vast majority of residents in survey’

Over 90% of residents back a Keighley Road conservation area, according to feedback given to Pendle Council. Certain streets, buildings and features along Keighley Road, including to the north and south, could be given the status, following a second council survey of residents. Characteristics in the area include attractive individual homes and terraces, cobbled streets, views of hills and a mixture of public and private gardens.

A new council report includes photos of different terraces and individual buildings, green spaces and street signs. It also has town centre landmarks such as the Tower Buildings and Commercial Inn.

The second public consultation over the winter included public events at Colne Library and cricket club, and information on the council’s website. And a new council report says: “The majority of people who replied were in favour of designation. The only issues brought up were about the merits of including the lower section of Carry Lane, to the south. Its inclusion is marginal and open to professional judgement. On balance, there is merit of including it.”

Residents were told about the pros-and-cons of conservation areas, including differences around ‘permitted development’ for properties, the report adds. Normally, some minor work on buildings does not need planning permission, such as small extensions, cladding or roof work. But in conservation areas, approval is sometimes needed.

The latest consultation generated 115 comments from 91 addresses in the area, the report says. Of these, 111 comments said a conservation area would benefit Colne. There were just four objections, over fears about potential difficulties to alter buildings or conservation status hindering future house sales.

There was also some debate about the ‘quality’ of Carry Lane and if Old Mill Drive should be excluded. The lower section of the proposed conservation area was not originally considered worthy of designation. But it was later added after a Colne area committee debate.

The report adds: “The Old Mill area has a modern development that, in itself, would not merit designation. And extending the conservation area boundary west would include some listed buildings at 1-3 Carry Lane and some buildings at Carry Bridge Farm. These are in a poor condition and detract from the area’s character. But if they were restored, they would provide some architectural interest.

“However, the inclusion of this area is not clear-cut. It could be excluded without diluting the importance of the rest of the proposed area. Listed buildings are protected by law and do not need conservation area status for protection.”

Elsewhere, some comments were made to exclude Trinity Baptist Church, based around worries about potential extra costs of being in a conservation area. However, the building is of interest and the cost worries are unfounded, planning officers say.

Councillors on Pendle’s Colne area committee have played a key part in the activity. The borough’s executive has now been recommended to support the conservation area bid to the government. The process will include formally writing to all residents.