Local Heritage of North Wiltshire
The District Council of North Wiltshire does not possess an out-and-out Heritage Service. North Wiltshire County Council however does. Not only that, it contributes a great deal in the preservation of North Wiltshire. Record Office is provided in partnership with ‘Swindon Borough Council’ by the ‘Heritage Service’. In addition to this, the ‘Heritage Service’ works with the ‘Wiltshire Buildings Record’ that is an educational charity and a voluntary society. The services provided include archaeological services, buildings record, museum service, archives/records, museum service, and conservation services. Besides, the government has adopted certain policies for ensuring the preservation and protection of heritage of North Wiltshire. This would help the future generations as well.
Conservation Areas
Conservation areas can be defined as the areas of exceptional architectural interest. The interest can be historic as well. Such areas have some special appearance or character which makes them desirable of preserving or enhancing. Planning briefs and statements for individual sites and areas are being prepared by the District Council. Accordingly, the unusual appearance or character of ‘Conservation Areas’ would be described by the Council and guidance and advice would be provided thereupon. This part comes under ‘Supplementary Documents’.
Development
In areas of conservation, proposals are being invited for advertisements, development, and many other works. Only those proposals, wherein there would be a wide scope for enhancement or preservation would be accepted. The development projects won’t interfere with the existing open spaces, building gaps, village greens, gardens, fields, and trees.
While allowing development in the conservation areas, building frontages and lines, bur gage boundaries and plots, reputable historic streets, building plans, and other physical, landscape, and historic features would be conserved. Not only that, all these features would be incorporated into proposal if considered appropriate.
Demolition
The proposals suggesting demolition of structures or buildings making positive contribution to appearance or character of area of conservation would be rejected. Such proposals would be allowed only if the demolition would result in the preservation or enhancement of appearance or character of area of conservation. For instance, removal of alien, unsightly, and ultra-modern features, approval of form of any essential replacement wherein contract regarding continuation of work of redevelopment has been signed.
Historic Gardens and Parks
New advertisements and development adjacent to or within Historic gardens and Parks which don’t respect their setting, appearance, or character would not be allowed.
Buildings of exceptional historic or architectural interest
North Wiltshire is lucky enough to have a distinct diversity and buildings of exceptional historic or architectural interest. These structures include an enormous wealth of brick, thatched stone, and fine stone. This mixture results in giving a special appearance to the countryside, villages, and towns. Certain gardens and lands such as Bowood, Corsham Court, Lacock Abbey, Sheldon Manor, and Hazelbury Manor require to be responsibly and carefully preserved.
Ancient monuments
The Council has stated that the proposal wherein the ancient monument would be adversely affected won’t be approved. There would be presumption favoring physical preservation ‘in situ of’ archaeological settings and remains of national importance, stating whether scheduling of site is done or not.