Villagers draw up rules to protect their local heritage

Planning blueprints have been set out for 14 villages to ensure the heritage and character of a North Yorkshire district is not undermined by development.

Village design statements have been agreed by Selby District Council for Appleton Roebuck, Barlow, Bilbrough, Brotherton, Byram, Carlton, Church Fenton, Monk Fryston, Newton Kyme, North Duffield, Riccall, Stutton, Ulleskelf and Womersley.

The documents, which have been drawn up by residents with support from council experts, set out the design principles within each village to give guidance to new developers on issues such as style and materials.

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The aim is to ensure any new developments or changes to existing buildings do not damage the “feel” of individual communities and will be used to guide planning decisions.

It is the latest round of statements to be adapted following the success of previous plans in other parts of the district.

Selby District Council leader, Coun Mark Crane, said: “Village design statements help to localise decisions about planning and development. Importantly they’ve been produced by people living in these communities, giving them a real say about the future of their community.

“Selby remains a mainly rural area and it’s important for us to help protect the characteristics of each community.”