Changes to preserve heritage of Peak town

CONSERVATION officers are set to redraw the boundaries of a Peak District conservation area in a bid to preserve part of a former mill and the site of a former livestock market.

But before the changes to the 33-year old order are made permanent, a series of public consultations will take place and yesterday an appeal was issued for people to take part.

Bakewell Conservation Area was originally designated in 1980, and the Peak District National Park Authority said five minor amendments are proposed to reflect changes in the town.

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Cultural heritage manager Ken Smith said: “I hope Bakewell residents will take the opportunity to look at the appraisal document, which covers in detail the traditional architecture, history and special characteristics of this market town.

“The conservation area protects Bakewell’s significant heritage which goes back to pre-Roman times. Its medieval bridges and buildings are still used to this day.

“It began to expand from the 12th century when it had a prosperous market, becoming a tourist destination in the 18th century, then a coaching town and spa.

“The town also has an important industrial heritage as Sir Richard Arkwright established a cotton spinning mill in the late 18th century.”

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One of the proposed boundary amendments is to incorporate the Grade II listed workshop to the former Lumford Mill, thought to have been ancillary to the Arkwright mill which burnt down in 1868.

Another changes part of the boundary which currently cuts across the car park in Market Street, included for its historic value as the former site of Bakewell’s important livestock market.

The other three “minor” changes include land around a Grade II listed cottage and exclude two modern buildings.

The draft appraisal can be viewed at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/bakewellconservationarea