THE conservation area protecting the history and heritage of Haughton-le-Skerne looks set to be extended after local residents gave their backing to the proposal.

Following a request from the Haughton Residents’ Association, Darlington Borough Council has looked into extending the conservation area to protect and recognise the original village boundaries.

Haughton was one of the first of 16 conservation areas in Darlington, designated in March 1968.

Council officials have carried out a character appraisal and management plan under legislation that places a duty on the local authority to formulate proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas.

As part of the process, the residents’ association proposed a boundary addition along Stockton Road on the basis that it formed part of the original village and therefore is worthy of inclusion.

A report prepared for members of the council’s cabinet, which will be asked to formally agree to the change, said historic maps provide evidence to back-up those assertions.

Properties, trees and street furniture within conservation areas are subject to stricter rules with the right of permitted development, which allow people to make minor changes to their home without permission, removed to ensure that the character of the area is not eroded slowly over time.

Consultation on the character appraisal and management plans, including the proposals to extend the conservation area, ran across the borough between March and May this year but focused on residents and businesses within Haughton.

Twenty-eight people attended a formal consultation meeting to explain the proposals and four formal responses in support of the plans were submitted.

The report noted: “Residents are supportive of conservation area designation and of the character appraisal’s purpose to better guide planning decisions in the area, some of which they have not been happy with.

“Detailed issues raised by respondents include the ‘gaudy’ appearance of the shop and its multitude of advertisements; the railings and general appearance of the open land north of the river, after the bridge and on the right hand side (when entering Haughton from the town); an ‘abandoned’ car park on Kennel Lane; and the ‘out of place’ Rymers Court development.”

If cabinet members agree to the extension of the boundary of the conservation areas, the council will be required to advertise the boundary addition in the London Gazette, a historic requirement to ensure all landowners are aware of conservation area designations affecting their properties and land.