The applicant must demonstrate and clearly articulate how the proposed development respects or enhances local character and distinctiveness. This must be informed by an understanding of the site context, including any historic character assessment required to support the application.
Local character is derived from the interaction of many factors — built form, landscape, public spaces, history, nature, and cultural associations, as well as less tangible aspects like a sense of community.
On a local level, understanding the physical, cultural and spiritual factors that shape place identity is a critical first step in the design of extensions and alterations that preserve and enhance local character and make a positive contribution to placemaking.
Extensions and alterations to buildings should respond to and complement existing patterns of settlement type and layout (see Supporting Information for information on Lake District settlement forms). In most cases these elements have developed over centuries and are an important part of the historic character of a place. The reasons for any deviation away from the existing historic pattern should be explained, together with active measures towards good placemaking.
The classic hierarchy of materials: a limewashed and render farmhouse, a bare stone barn and the hardest to course stones used for the boundary wall.
Render finishes were reserved for the higher status buildings, such as this farmhouse, while barns and outbuildings were usually left as bare stone. Borrowdale.
Farm buildings often have a ‘rougher’ appearance than houses due to the bare stone. Here the external staircase is barely visible against the stonework. Hawkshead.
In the 18th century, polite architecture without render covering the stone would have been unthinkable. Hawkshead.
An uncommon example of a converted barn with limewash over the stonework. The shapes of the different materials can still be seen through the coating.
An example of a farm where the farmhouse is limewashed whereas the farm buildings are left as bare stone.
The type, form and composition of extensions and alterations must be rooted in local character. The design of these must reflect the local vernacular tradition (where buildings were designed to meet functional needs). This varies across the Lake District in response to changes in the underlying geology, that influences not only the choice of local building material, but also built forms and methods of construction.
Information on common vernacular forms, and their distribution across the Lake District, can be found in the Supporting Information. Each settlement has a distinct architectural tradition depending on several factors, but common characteristics are:
Although these features are common there are many variations according to location and designs need to respond appropriately to the specific traditions of the area. This is not intended to stifle contemporary design or encourage pastiche, but simply show how a design has been inspired by local character.
In areas where there is a wider variety of architectural styles, particularly those areas of 19th and early 20th century expansion around the edges of towns, design cues should still be taken from the prevailing architectural forms of the area. However, detailing should be consistent with architectural style, and mixing features within a building should be avoided. In all cases, design must be informed by analysis of context and local character.
A slightly different limestone with red and purple colouration is found along the north-eastern fringe of the Lake District.
A material found much more widely elsewhere in the north of England; sandstone is generally only found in the fringes of the Lake District as a walling material.
South Cumbrian limestone can be more easily shaped into regular blocks that the slate stone of the central Lake District. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
The form (shape) of a new extension must be similar to or otherwise respect the form of the existing house.
1. The principle of form applies to:
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2. The ratio of the length of the eaves wall to the width of the gable wall is the starting point for understanding the proportion of the plan form of the existing house.
3. The extension has the same ratio in plan form as the existing house and has the same or a similar gable proportion and shape.
4. The proportions in plan form of this narrow extension are very different in plan form to the existing house, but the size and set back of the extension mean it is subservient to the main house. The gable shape and proportion of the extension would match or be similar to that of the existing house, so there would be harmony between the existing and new.
5. The flat roofed extension is a noticeably different shape to the existing house. The plan form of the extension has a squarer proportion to the existing house. However, the width and height of the front elevation of the extension are in proportion with the width and height of the front elevation of the house. There is a visual relationship between the two. This is helped by the extension being set back and subservient in size to the existing house. Flat roofed extensions can be appropriate where it is important to keep the overall height and mass of an extension to a minimum.
6. The extension matches the general proportion of the existing house in plan form and the proportions of its front elevation. The shape of the gable, however, is slightly different because the roof pitches are shallower. Given the difference in height between the two, the shallower roof pitch of the extension does not look out of place.
7. The extension matches the general proportion of the existing house’s plan form and the proportions of its front elevation. The main difference is it has a symmetrical gable whereas the main house has an asymmetrical gable due to the longer roof pitch at the back. The matching proportions and subservience of the extension mean the different gable shape does not look out of place.
8. Extensions added on to existing extensions are rarely successful additions because they can look overly fussy and change the overall character of the house. Similarly, extensions that wrap around corner or are built out to the furthest extremities of the house’s plan will generally look out of place next to the original house.
Rear extensions must show subservience to the existing house in terms of their height, footprint and location.
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The Lake District has a strong tradition of houses with asymmetrical gables, where one side of the roof extends much lower than the other. It was the simplest and most economical way of providing more floorspace on the ground floor. This tradition is still relevant today, as we look to have more living space, open plan kitchens, WCs and utility rooms on the ground floor.
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3. The starting point should be the vertical proportions of the gable shape and the ratio of the length of the eaves wall to the depth of the gable wall. These set the overall proportions of the existing house.
4. The extension matches the proportion and shape of the gable of the existing house and therefore complements the design of the existing house.
5. This two-storey extension achieves the same balance of the gable proportions but maintains subservience to the existing house by being slightly lower and slight set back.
6. This flat roofed extension is of a noticeably different shape, but it is strongly subservient to the existing house due to its lower height and smaller mass. The setback also reinforces the subservience of the extension to the existing house. The plan and vertical proportions of the extension respect those of the existing house.
7. This two-storey extension is large, but does not visually compete or dominate the existing house because it is lower in height, slightly set back and respects the proportions of the existing house.
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Sheltering front doors from the wind and rain has been a longstanding tradition in the Lake District. The design of new porches should respect the character of the dwelling that it is attached to and the wider street.
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The pitch or angle of a roof has a large impact on how a building looks and fits in with its surroundings. The roof pitches of new development must respond positively to its townscape context, for example, by matching neighbouring buildings. Where slates are used roof pitches must not be lower than 22.5º. If the slates are laid shallower than this, rain will run off more slowly and can find its way under and between slates
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4. The roof pitch of the catslide roof can either continue the slope of the main roof or be slightly shallower (e.g., by 5º) to slow runoff and increase headroom under the catslide roof.
5. Lean-to extensions should generally have the same or a similar roof pitch to the main roof of the house.
The ratio of the height to width of a window sets the shape and proportion of window openings. New development, including extensions, must incorporate window proportions that show a positive response to their context, by reflecting the proportions of the existing building.
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In this illustration:
4. The right-hand part of the elevation looks noticeably ‘busier’ than the rest of the house due to the number of small windows squashed into this part of the building. It detracts from the character of the whole elevation.
5. All parts of the building have a similar layout of windows giving a harmonious appearance.
Windows and doors often make the most difference to the finished appearance of a new building, extension or conversion and are manufactured in a range of materials. The most common are wood, uPVC and powder coated aluminium.
Wooden window frames and doors will normally represent the most appropriate and sustainable option. They can be designed in ways to respect the character of any building and can be painted and repainted in any colour without replacement. If looked after and properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can be constructed to be as secure and weather-proof as uPVC windows.
UPVC and composite windows and doors come in a limited range of colours and designs. Storm casement uPVC windows (where the opening pane overlaps the frame) are the cheapest and most common window frame in use but they result in the least satisfactory appearance on houses in the Lake District. Because they are not symmetrical, they cannot replicate the appearance of a traditional casement window or a later sliding sash window which are normally symmetrical in appearance. Combined with their thick frames they are rarely an appropriate choice for a building of traditional character or one which contributes to the wider character of the area.
The use of standard uPVC storm casement windows are only likely to be acceptable in a limited range of circumstances where their use has no overall impact on the character of the building or the wider area.
Significant advancements have been made in uPVC windows. Both convincing high quality sliding sash windows and flush fitting casement uPVC windows (where the opening part of the window sits flush within the frame) which replicate traditional window types are now available. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis but will nearly always represent a more appropriate option than a uPVC storm casement window.
Powder coated aluminium frames come in a large range of colours. They are also thinner than uPVC windows so have a wider range of uses. They are often used successfully on contemporary buildings.
The colour of windows and doors is an important part of the appearance of a building.
Darker colours are more appropriate for barn conversions rather than hew housing schemes because it is often necessary to reduce the impact of new windows and doors as far as possible, to avoid compromising the agricultural character of the building.
Anthracite Grey (dark grey) is currently a very popular choice. This colour tends to work well on contemporary rendered buildings, providing a contrasting colour with lighter rendered walls. However, it provides no contrast with buildings which have darker walls or stone walls.
Whites and off-whites which provide a strong contrast with local stone walls are normally the most appropriate choice but a range of colours including light greys, greens and blues will complement the subtle colours found in local slate and stone.
Where planning permission is not required for the replacement of windows and doors, we strongly advise that existing traditional or original windows are retained and refurbished where possible but that any replacement considers the appropriateness of the design, materials and colour to the character of the building and the area and also takes into account longevity, value for money and carbon footprint.
Windows are often referred to as “the eyes” of a building because they make such an impact on its character and appearance.
Good quality timber can provide both long-lasting frames and delicate details like these thin glazing bars.
Internal shutters were the traditional means of controlling heat levels and providing security
Modern style ‘tilt and turn’ casements and anthracite grey finish give an anonymous character to window openings.
A well-made traditional door can last indefinitely if maintained.
uPVC and composite doors have limited scope for repair or upgrade and must therefore be replaced as soon as they fail or look tired and old. This is a much less sustainable option.
The distribution, size and design of window openings, glazed doorways or other glazed apertures in extensions and alterations must:
Avoid light spill into the night skies. This is intrusive to both the landscape and the dark skies.
Prevent any large areas of glazing from being highly reflective and glint and glare in low-level sunlight. This can be particularly visually intrusive on settlement edges and on buildings in open rural contexts that can be seen over longer distances.
The darkness of the night skies is a key characteristic of the Lake District that reflects its rural character. The skies achieving complete darkness is also of ecological importance. The unwanted impacts of light spill and highly reflective glazing can be avoided via the following measures:
The colour and textures of materials in extensions and alterations must harmonise with local character and landscape, although this does not prevent the use of both to add focus and interest to the streetscape where justified.
Stone used for the walls of buildings must match the type, appearance and method of laying that is most prevalent in the area. Only where it is not possible to obtain stone which is typical of the area will alternatives be considered.
Roofing materials must be Westmorland green slate or blue grey slate laid in a traditional pattern of diminishing courses (where larger slates at the eaves gradually recede to the smallest slates at the ridge) and random widths.
Alternative roof coverings to local slate will only be considered in the following circumstances:
National policy and the Local Plan support development that reinforces local distinctiveness, character and sense of place.
One of the most important ways of establishing a sense of place in the built environment is through the use of materials, most importantly through roof and wall materials. These should be complemented with an approach to windows, doors, landscaping and boundaries which reflect the quality and character of the landscape and the importance of the built environment.
Unlike other areas of the country where building materials are often imported or manufactured, the appearance of buildings in the Lake District is a direct product of the geology beneath them.
Whether it is distinctively pink Eskdale granite or the greens and greys of Honister stone in the centre of Keswick, when planning a design for an extension in the Lake District, looking at the roofs and walls of your neighbours is often all that is necessary to help inform what the most appropriate approach should be.
Local stone was often traditionally covered with layers of limewash, as this decaying historic example shows.
If left to weather, the local stone beneath the render becomes exposed.
Limewash was often brightly or strongly coloured as in this recently restored example.
Another lime-based material, roughcast render, was used to cover stone and give a neater looking elevation.
It is called ‘roughcast’ because pebbles are mixed in with the lime to give a larger surface area for water to evaporate from in wet conditions.
Roughcast render is found across the Lake District. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
The combination of roughcast render, local slate and local stone boundary walls gives buildings a distinctly local character. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
Roughcast render is usually covered by a number of coats of limewash. Here is its bare appearance.
Lake District green slate was used in the mid-20th century to give modern buildings like this former bank a distinctive local character.
Most locally distinctive of all are the local slate roofs of the Lake District that can be seen covering the majority of buildings in the area and which make a significant contribution to sense of place, particularly when seen from above. Local slate has a thick gauge, rough hewn surface and distinctive pattern which all contribute to an appearance that is as locally distinctive when first laid as it is decades later.
The use of Westmorland green slate or blue grey slate will be informed by the immediate context of the site. Often, either option will be acceptable.
Imported slate is not an acceptable alternative to local slate. This is because it is likely to retain a smooth and uniform colour and texture which means it does not weather in the same way as local slates. As they are normally made to standard sizes and to a thinner gauge, they cannot replicate the variety found in a local slate roof and cannot replicate its appearance.
Where planning permission is not required for replacement or repair of an existing roof, we strongly discourage the use of imported slate because the incremental effect of changes which do not require planning permission is the erosion of local distinctiveness, character and sense of place.
If there are valid reasons to consider roof coverings other than local slate, alternative locally produced roofing materials are likely to be more appropriate than imported slate, when considered in terms of its appearance, longevity, value for money and carbon footprint.
Blue grey slate is one of the local naturally occurring building materials of the Lake District. Ravenglass. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
Local blue grey slate is traditionally laid in courses that increase in size towards the eaves. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
The difference between local blue grey slate (left) and imported Spanish (right) slate is visible. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
Hawkshead has a highly harmonious appearance due to the consistent use of local blue grey slate roofing. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
Local to the Lake District, this green-grey slate has a distinctive colour, and is laid in diminishing courses. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
The local green slate is traditionally laid in diminishing courses. In this example the ridge tiles are stone
Green slate continues to be quarried locally, so it can continue to give new development a local character and it weathers beautifully.
The roof in front has replacement Brazilian slates while the one in the background is local green slate. The difference in coursing and texture is clear. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
In some parts of the Lake District, as here in Hawkshead, slate is hung on walls for protection from prevailing winds.
Welsh slate is rare in the Lake District. This Welsh slate roof has a purple heathery colour and a noticeably flatter plane, as these slates are thinner than Lake District slates.
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The walls of a building can often be as important to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place as its roof, especially within a dense town context or a tightly knit farm group when seen from road level. Wall finishes are functional, decorative and often both.
Local walling materials vary more obviously across the Lake District than roofing slate. Stone is less easy to transport and therefore historically, the easiest stone to build a house or barn from was the closest available. Walls were often built upon boulders or bedrock, with stone quarried from the nearest rock face or gathered from the land or nearby streams. Most buildings constructed in this way using ‘found’ rubble stone would historically have been externally finished with a lime render and limewashed.
Because it is a by-product of slate manufacture, slate stone remains the most common walling material for buildings in the Lake District, with limestone, granite and red sandstone used in outlying areas.
Roughcast render or ‘wet-dash’, or modern products which replicate its appearance, is the other most common walling finish. Roughcast render is used throughout the Lake District and its use as a wall finish is likely to be appropriate on a range of buildings, particularly where it is not possible to obtain stone to match nearby buildings.
Agricultural buildings, with the exception of farmhouses, were generally not traditionally rendered in the Lake District. This made a clear distinction between domestic and functional space. Unless evidence can be demonstrated on the building itself or through research, former agricultural buildings must not be rendered
The local blue grey slate stone has a distinctive appearance and is still quarried in Cumbria.
Locally quarried green stone walling combined with red sandstone that may well have been quarried at or near St Bees, Cumbria.
Local blue grey slate stone is a by-product of the local roof slate industry and is used for walling. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
Here the boundary wall incorporates boulders of the local blue-grey stone, giving a particularly rural character.
Note the different sizes and shapes of local stone used for the walling of the building, the building corners and the boundary wall.
The distinctive green-grey-brown local stone is used for walling across much of the Lake District. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
South Cumbrian limestone can be more easily shaped into regular blocks that the slate stone of the central Lake District. Image: Burlington Slate Ltd.
Adapted from R.W. Brunskill: Vernacular Architecture of the Lake Counties (1974)
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It will be necessary to demonstrate that the use of materials other than local slate, stone and roughcast render is appropriate.
Metal wall cladding (including zinc, copper, lead, stainless steel and aluminium) and timber wall cladding or composite cladding products which mimic the appearance of timber are only likely to be acceptable where used sparingly as part of a cohesive design solution and where the context of the site and character of the landscape means that its use would not compromise sense of place. Large areas of glazing do not reinforce local distinctiveness or sense of place.
Large areas of glazing can also result in light pollution which both national policy and the Local Plan seek to avoid. In sensitive landscape locations the extensive use of glazing is unlikely to be acceptable.
Hard and soft landscaping and boundary features including gates fences and walls must respect landscape character and sense of place and must be included in all proposals where wider landscaping, new or altered accesses or new or altered boundaries are proposed.
Hedges provide a consistent boundary feature along this lane in Windermere. A mixed native species hedge would provide more biodiversity benefit than laurel.
In some parts of the Lake District there are distinctive local boundary traditions, such as this stone slab boundary at Hawkshead.
Here at Grasmere the old stone field boundary has been kept and a native species hedge added to provide privacy for these rear gardens.
Here at Hawkshead, the private gardens to these houses are well-screened by a thick native species hedge – even in winter.
This low wall of Lake District stone is a characterful feature.
Drystone walls of different heights have been used to enclose different types of spaces. Rosthwaite.
In rural areas where stone walling is the norm, timber fences can look out of place.
High, solid gates and fences detract from the character of streets due to how defensive they look.
Materials and colour can have a big impact on the appearance of boundary features. Here, this fence has given a suburban character that contrasts with the traditional field boundaries in the background.
High fences usually give a poor edge to settlements and developments. They create an unattractive ‘blind’ edge that can become disjointed as fences are altered, replaced or painted different colours by their owners.
A large, formal-style gateway such as this looks out of place in the landscape due to its suburban character. In this case, the use of imported brick and standard off-the-shelf steelwork exacerbates its visual impact.
Often all a boundary feature needs to be is sufficiently robust and to clearly mark a boundary. This informal timber fence does exactly thatwith minimal fuss.
With a large or prominent development, including extensions and alterations to buildings in a sensitive area, the way the development interacts with the landscape beyond its boundaries can be equally as important as the appearance of the building itself. The entrance and boundary walls is the place where private space meets public and where the influence of your development on the landscape and can be felt most.
Stone boundary walls will normally be the most appropriate option. Stone used should reflect existing stone walls in the area in terms of type of stone and method of laying. Dressed stone is not normally used for boundary walls. Other boundary types such as native hedge planting will be considered where this is consistent with the other boundaries in the area.
Large entrances will rarely be appropriate in the context of small-scale vernacular buildings and in sensitive rural landscape locations.
Hard landscaping should be kept to a minimum and must take cues from the surrounding area, subject to associated constraints such as drainage and durability. The choice of surface must harmonise with local character particularly in terms of colour.
River cobbles are a colourful and attractive alternative to paving stones in hard landscaping. Hawkshead.
Cobbles lend a rural character to paved areas
Cobbles harmonise visually with quarried stone.
In the case of an extension or conversion to a historic farmstead, or non-designated building in a conservation area or listed building, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposal respects the character and appearance of the building and does not harm its significance or setting. Impact on surrounding heritage assets will also need to be considered (see ‘Heritage Assets’).
In cases where the structural condition of a building is in question, a full structural survey by a qualified architect or structural engineer will be required prior to application.
Dwellings should be laid out so that reasonable levels of daylight are provided to windows, gardens and amenity spaces. New extensions should not exceed a line taken at 45 degrees from the centre of the nearest ground floor window of a habitable room in an adjoining property. The guideline can be assessed on both plan and elevation (see illustration).
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Light and Privacy:
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Light, aspect and privacy continued
