Vernacular and Locally Important Buildings - Background and Scope

Throughout our Borough there are a range of traditional buildings which are no longer utilised for their original purpose or function, but exhibit a distinct local character or historic significance. These buildings are largely of simple architectural style and built using locally sourced materials. An example of this in our Borough, is the prevalent use of random rubble black basalt in the construction of many of our Borough's traditional buildings. Examples of such buildings include former schools, churches and halls, mill buildings and farm buildings. Such buildings are often at risk of dereliction as they lie vacant and in recognition of the contribution they make to the distinctive character and local identity of our Borough, the Council will support those proposals which bring such buildings back into an appropriate use.