Review of Bishop Auckland Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP)

Background

Conservation areas

In County Durham, we are passionate about conserving our heritage and have 93 conservation areas across the county. The Bishop Auckland Conservation Area takes in a wide range of architecturally and historically important structures including Auckland Castle, the Town Hall, St Anne's Church, Newton Cap Viaduct, Skirlaw Bridge, and Gaunless Bridge. Having conservation area status and an associated management plan means we can to bring partners together to preserve historic features and manage the regeneration of the town in a controlled and sympathetic way, to help it thrive, and protect it for future generations.

A conservation area is defined by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as an "area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance". When an area is designated as a conservation area it recognises the quality of a place as a whole which comes from the combination of individual buildings, streets, green spaces, trees and other features. 

Being in a conservation area might mean that properties are affected by special controls (called 'Article 4 Directions'). These restrict work that can normally be done without planning permission.

Conservation Area Management Plans

A CAMP helps to reinforce the positive character of a historic area as well as helping to minimise negative impacts identified as affecting the area, and potential threats to its special interest and character. It aims to provide an evidence base and to offer practical guidance to owners and developers, as well as helping to tackle specific issues within the area, while fitting into wider local planning policies. It:

• brings various people and partners together to work collectively for the better in terms of conservation
• can provide an important evidence base for future funding bids

Bishop Auckland

Bishop Auckland Conservation Area was originally designated in 1969. This covered a small area focused on the Market Place and Newgate Street. The area was extended in 1990 and 1993 to include the parkland associated with Auckland Castle and more areas of Newgate Street and Etherley Lane.  A detailed review was undertaken in 2014 which resulted in some minor boundary changes and the publication of a detailed conservation area character appraisal. 

Historic England want to encourage urban areas to develop CAMPs and this was a key part of the Bishop Auckland Heritage Action Zone. A key focus of the Bishop Auckland CAMP will be to support and enable positive regeneration in the town, through managing change, identifying opportunities for improvement and regeneration, and providing clarity for future developments within the conservation area and its setting. 

What we are consulting on

We have a duty to regularly review our conservation areas and CAMPs. We are reviewing the boundary and documentation for Bishop Auckland.

Proposed boundary changes

The proposed changes are based on Heritage Action Zone research.

They are:

• the addition of the Railway Street Industrial Area including Peel Street, Chester Street and Railway Street
• the addition of number 60 and 58 Etherley Lane
• the removal of Bishopgate Lodge Care Home

Review of the need for an Article 4 Direction

There are no Article 4 Directions in Bishop Auckland at present, but this does not mean to say that they will not be introduced in the future.

Updated character appraisal and management strategy

• Bishop Auckland Conservation Area Management Plan consultation summary (PDF, 420 KB)
• Draft Bishop Auckland Conservation Area Management Plan (PDF, 23 MB)
• Draft Bishop Auckland Conservation Area Management Plan part 2 (PDF, 3 MB)

Have your say

What happens next

Your feedback will be reviewed and, where relevant, the draft CAMP, character appraisal and management strategy will be updated. A second round of consultation will then take place in Autumn 2024 before the plan is finalised and adopted.