Conservation Concerns

Paul Mitchell

WHY IS CONSERVATION IMPORTANT?

The Great Barn, Ruislip

The Great Barn, Ruislip

Ruislip has a rich historic heritage including the historic Manor Farm site, a 13th Century church and a number of houses from the 15th Century onwards. It also contains a substantial Conservation Area preserving houses built in the early 20th Century, when the area was developed on “garden suburb” lines. The Manor Farm site comprises a 13th century Great Barn, a 16th Century Manor House, a 16th Century Little Barn and an early medieval Motte and Bailey. Further details of the Manor Farm site are shown here.

Conservation is about ensuring the protection of these assets, and preservation of the character of the area, for the benefit of current and future residents. Without continuous attention, a series of apparently minor alterations could, over time, result in the gradual but permanent damage to the heritage and character of Ruislip.

WHAT HISTORIC ASSETS HAVE WE GOT IN RUISLIP?

Hillingdon Council designate areas as Conservation Areas, or Areas of Special Character, based on a score against nine criteria relating to Townscape significance, Architectural significance and Historic significance. The council review conservation areas, in consultation with residents, stakeholders, local groups and other interested parties, and may from time to time extend existing areas, or designate new ones.

In summary, within Ruislip there are:

  • Two Conservation Areas (“Ruislip Village Conservation Area” and “Manor Way Conservation Area”). These are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.
  • Two Areas of Special Local Character (“Midcroft” and “Moat Drive”). These are a local designation, and include areas which contain elements of local character and identity that the council wishes to preserve.

Ruislip also contains:

  • An Archaeological Priority Area (Ruislip Motte & Bailey) covering Park Wood, Ruislip Lido and adjacent areas. Within this area are two Scheduled Ancient Monuments: the Motte and Bailey in the Manor Farm site, and Park Pale – an earthwork forming the boundary of the medieval deer park. These archaeological remains are an important and valuable local and national resource.

Of these the Ruislip Village Conservation Area contains most of the key historic and architectural assets. You can find out more about the Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings in Ruislip on the following pages:

Archaeological Priority Area (APA)

The area covered by the Ruislip Motte and Bailey APA is shown at the link below:

This collection of buildings and features is so important to the story of Ruislip that there is a special page on it:

VOLUNTARY GROUPS

There are several local voluntary groups who work together to help ensure the protection of the historic environment. These include:

  • Ruislip Residents’ Association
  • Ruislip, Northwood & Eastcote Local History Society
  • Ruislip Village Conservation Panel

All applications for new development and for alterations and extensions to existing buildings are considered by Hillingdon Council’s Planning department. In determining these applications, planning officers and Planning Committee members benefit from the local knowledge and relevant observations and recommendations provided by the groups mentioned above.*

 

Conservation Planning Update for July 2018

This is my monthly update for July, covering planning matters in the Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character within Ruislip. 1. New Planning Applications and Appeals. New Planning Applications reported on LBH website: 70133/APP/2018/2269. 130 High Street (Council Offices). Addition of a third floor to create 1 x 1-bed and 1 x 2-bed […]

Continue Reading

Conservation Planning Report for April 2018

This is my monthly update for April 2018, covering planning matters in the Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character within Ruislip. 1. New Planning Applications and Appeals. New Planning Applications reported on LBH website in April: 41912/APP/2018/792 9 Eastcote Road (CAB site) Application for planning permission for relevant demolition in a conservation area […]

Continue Reading

Conservation Planning update for December 2017

This is my monthly update for December 2017, covering planning matters in the Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character within Ruislip. 1. New Planning Applications and Appeals. New Planning Applications: • RUISLIP TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, HIGH STREET 10105/APP/2017/4211 Installation of new inlet and exhaust louvres into existing window openings on the second floor. • […]

Continue Reading

Conservation Planning Update for Nov 2017

This is my monthly update for November 2017, covering planning matters in the Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character within Ruislip. 1. New Planning Applications and Appeals. New Planning Applications: • 32347/APP/2017/4114 26A ICKENHAM ROAD First floor side extension. • 12519/APP/2017/3971 2 SHARPS LANE Variation of condition No.10 (Approved Plans) of Secretary of […]

Continue Reading

Conservation Planning Update for October 2017

This is my monthly update for October 2017, covering planning matters in the Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character within Ruislip. New Planning Applications and Appeals. New Planning Applications: 30003/APP/2017/3808 19 SHARPS LANE Two-storey rear extension, conversion of roof space to habitable use to include a rear dormer with rooflight and one side […]

Continue Reading