Introduction
Welcome to
Lindfield. In our beautiful village you will find an exceptional collection
of
listed buildings and structures of special architectural or historic interest
that are national assets. If you are planning to purchase a property in
Lindfield, particularly if it is listed or in our conservation area, you may
like to read the following notes. In any case, do consider joining our
Society
- contact details are given below. Background
Today there is
a
substantial government and local policy framework that aims to protect
villages, their buildings and their surroundings. There are specific policies
relating to Lindfield in the Mid-Sussex Local Plan. The Lindfield
conservation
area was designated in 1969 in recognition of the special architectural
quality
and historic interest of the High Street and the area around the common. It
was
extended in 1989 and 1998 to include properties in Black Hill, in Compton
Road
and in a small section of Hickmans Lane. There is a strong village identity,
with pond, common and a church dating from 13th century. Although
representing
a variety of periods, there are several buildings of medieval origin and of
the
Georgian period. In Lindfield there are more than 90 buildings and structures
that are included in the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural
or Historic Interest in view of the utmost importance of their
preservation. Planning Controls
To control unsympathetic
alterations to dwelling-houses in the conservation area the Mid-Sussex
District
Council has made Article 4(2) Directions covering the greater part of the
area.
This has the effect of requiring planning permission for alterations that
would
otherwise be allowed as General Permitted Development, including changing
paint
colour and replacing windows. Tough standards are also applied to
advertisements and shop-fronts. The Community’s
Role
There
are economic, social and environmental benefits associated with living in a
conservation area and residents and property owners play a key role. All work
carried out should preserve or enhance its special character and appearance,
whether or not permission is required. The features of historic buildings
such
as windows, doors, chimneys, brickwork, roofs and colour and nature of paint
and render all contribute to both the character of a property and to that of
the conservation area. The owners of listed buildings have further
enforceable
responsibilities relating to their upkeep. The Lindfield
Preservation
Society
The Society, currently about 1000 strong, was formed in 1969
in
response to a specific development that would have been damaging to the
village
had it not been successfully resisted. Today it continues its voluntary work
to
safeguard the special character of the whole of Lindfield and to provide a
social programme open to all. The Society always welcomes new members sharing
its objectives to ensure it remains effective in all matters concerning the
heritage and infrastructure of the village. The Hon Secretary may be
contacted
for details and a membership application form at:
secretarylindfieldps@btopenworld.com Chairman,
Lindfield Preservation Society (February
2005) | 