Sir – Conservation areas: what do those two words mean to you?

Dictionary definitions of “to conserve”

are to preserve, to keep entire, to keep from harm, decay and loss.

These all suggest that conservation areas contain something special which shouldn’t be altered. Most villages in the Dales have an area so designated: Leyburn has two. The one where I live is particularly special as it is an homogenous whole, being what is still surviving of the Leyburn Union Workhouse, built in 1877. It was built 20 years too late to be deemed worthy of listing but, despite having since been an old people’s home and now private accommodation, it has an integrity and character all of its own.

A second planning application has just been submitted to allow an ultra modern, “eco” house to be built (of straw bales, wood and glass) in the garden of what was the workhouse infirmary. A similar plan was turned down last year by Leyburn Town Council, Richmondshire District Council and, on appeal, the planning inspector. It was felt to be a design which didn’t reflect local building materials or dwelling styles in the Dales.

At that time 250 local people signed a petition objecting to the plans. Many were not against the design but felt it was not an appropriate location for such a house.

The plans can be seen at Thornborough Hall, the planning offices in Richmond and on line. The reference number is 13/00519/FULL. If you support conservation areas I would ask you to take the time to look at what is being proposed and, if you too feel this 21st century building would not look right within the curtilage of a Victorian workhouse complex, to object.

Time is of the essence and if you think a committee should decide the outcome of this controversial application say so – otherwise it will be determined by one individual.

If you too live in a conservation area be mindful that this could set a precedent and you could find such a building in a garden near you in the future.

SHEILA SIMMS Quarry Hills Lane, Leyburn.