Whitby to extend its protected ‘iconic’ skyline

IT’S a much-admired skyline which has been a subject for artists and photographers for generations.

And now local authority conservationists are to beef up the protection afforded to some of the most important buildings which make up the famous Whitby skyline.

After extensive consultation, Scarborough Borough Council is moving towards extending the Conservation Area to ensure wider views are not spoiled by structures such as solar panels and satellite dishes.

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The extended boundary is set to include properties on The Ropery, which at present are outside of the Conservation Area.

Built after the Second World War, the properties on The Ropery are prominent on the skyline from key viewpoints and have many features in character with the Conservation Area.

In future property owners in the extended conservation zone must ask permission for “intrusive installations” on their roofs.

Planners are keen to preserve views from Whitby Abbey, the Abbey headland and the east and west sides of Whitby Harbour.

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A Scarborough Council spokesman said: “These views could easily be spoilt by poorly sited or large intrusive installations where dark, shiny and reflective modern materials contrast poorly with the many warm, mellow red and orange pantile roofs.

“The selected areas form part of a number of iconic views, which are important to residents and visitors and which have been the subject matter for many artists and photographers throughout the years.”

A council spokesman said the rules relating to satellite dishes and other roof structures would not amount to a total ban - each application would be judged on its own merits.

The spokesman added: “This is not a total ban however, as some applications may be acceptable but the approach would allow the roof installation’s design and location and its impact on Whitby’s skyline and the Conservation Area to be assessed first.

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“Any refused, as harming the character, appearance and significance of the Conservation Area, would be subject to the usual appeal rights.”

A spokesperson for the council’s planning department told The Yorkshire Post: “Whitby’s iconic skyline and outstanding picture postcard views on both sides of the harbour reflect the character of its heritage and are some of the biggest reasons why the town is so popular with visitors and much loved by local residents.

“The proposals we are consulting on aim to conserve these characteristics for future generations and ensure Whitby’s unique identity is maintained.”

The current size of the Conservation Area is 230 acres.

The proposed extension would take the total area being protected from unwanted development to 296 acres.

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All the proposed changes are now the subject of further consultation.

Residents in the affected areas will be written to directly to make them aware of the consultation, but anyone living in the wider Whitby area and visitors to the town can make their views known.

All relevant documents can be viewed at www.scarborough.gov.uk/planning via the Conservations Areas and Character Appraisals links.

The consultation runs until April 21.

Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] (including full name and postal address) or by letter to Regeneration and Planning, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG.