Escrick Conservation Area
Much of Escrick Village is part of the Escrick Conservation Area (see map).
Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest that have character or appearance which is desirable to preserve or enhance.
Properties, including their grounds, within the Conservation Area are subject to additional planning controls, which mean that permission may be required from the local planning authority for work that doesn't need permission elsewhere.
Trees
If you want to cut down, top or prune any but the smallest of trees in a conservation area you must notify the local planning authority six weeks before work begins. It is worth noting the definition of 'tree' includes hedges such as laurel, holly and hawthorn. The authority will then consider the contribution the tree(s) makes to the character of the area and if necessary create a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) to protect it. Trees which are less than 7.5cm diameter, measured at a height of 1.5m above the ground are exempt. See 'tree works guidance' section of Selby District Council's website for more details.
Demolition
If you live in a conservation area and want to demolish a building, you may need Planning Permission. The precise requirements are complicated and best discussed with the local planning authority, but changes that would typically require planning permission include:
- Demolishing a building with a volume of 115 cubic metres or more.
- Demolishing any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure (exceptions if less than 1m tall adjacent to a highway/waterway, less than 2m elsewhere)
Permitted development
Permitted development (PD) rights are slightly different in conservation areas compared to other areas. This means that you need to make planning applications for some forms of development which would not need such applications outside conservation areas. The precise requirements are complicated and best discussed with the local planning authority, but changes that would typically require planning permission include:
- Residential changes like extensions, dormer windows, putting up a satellite dish visible from the street, and stone cladding
- Erecting detached ancillary buildings, garden sheds/ stores to the side of the dwelling/house
Article 4 directions
These are directives that implement further controls - for example requiring planning permission for changes such as new windows or doors. There are currently no Article 4 directions in Escrick, however, the planning authority have recently consulted on the intention to introduce some.
Further guidance
See the relevant local authority website: