Middleton Conservation Area is predominantly a rural area set within a wider landscape. The Main Street rises through the Conservation Area from its southern tip to its northern perimeter is the B5023, which connects Wirksworth and Middleton with the Via Gellia (A5012).
To the north, are Water Lane, New Road and Duke Street. Further south, Main Street is crossed by Porter Lane, the B5035, which is the main road that connects the towns of Matlock and Ashbourne. The Conservation Area includes Middleton Top, which is a focal point along the High Peak Trail, and part of The National Stone Centre (established in 1990), which is located in the south-eastern part of the conservation area.
The original designation of Middleton Conservation Area was in August 1980. It currently comprises 70.73 hectares.
Historic Assets
Within Middleton Conservation Area there are 262 buildings, of which 7 are listed entries. All the listed entries are Grade II apart from Holy Trinity Church which is listed Grade C. The listed entries in Middleton range from railings to railway bridges and from cottages to milestones. All are recognised for the contribution they make both individually and visually within the street-scene.
Middleton Conservation Area contains 2 Scheduled Monuments - Middleton Top Winding Engine House, Wheels and Wheel-pit (2 monuments) and the remains of Nether Ratchwood and Rantor Lead Mines, 200m west of Old Lane.
Middleton Conservation Area Character Appraisal
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal was designated in 1980 and amended in 1995. Early in 2009 a comprehensive Character Appraisal was undertaken and a Draft Appraisal produced in June 2009. A six-week public consultation exercise then followed. The Appraisal considered the special qualities and interests of the Conservation Area, such as its archaeological significance, the architectural and historic quality of the buildings, the relationship of buildings and spaces, the landscape and setting of the conservation area and negative and neutral factors affecting the area. The document also included recommendations for amending the boundary, with areas recommended for both exclusion and inclusion, along with proposed regularisation to some of the curtilages of residential properties in the north of the conservation area.
Following comments received during the public consultation process, amendments were subsequently made to the text of the document and the boundary was further modified, with some of the proposed areas for exclusion remaining located within the conservation area.
In September 2009, Derbyshire Dales District Council approved the Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Character Appraisal, including those amendments to the text and modification of the boundary. The Conservation Area Appraisal and the relevant Report and Minutes can be viewed in the Related Documents section below.
Buildings at Risk
None of the listed entries within the Middleton Conservation Area are recognised by the District Council as being 'at risk'.
Article 4 Directions
There are no additional planning controls, such as an Article 4 Direction, on properties in Middleton Conservation Area.
Related Documents
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Map (PDF 973KB)
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal part 1 (PDF 3901KB)
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal part 2 (PDF 3890KB)
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal part 3 (PDF 3558KB)
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal part 4 (PDF 1982KB)
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal part 5 (PDF 3920KB)
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal part 6 (PDF 1898KB)
Middleton by Wirksworth Conservation Area Appraisal Committee Report and Minutes (PDF 1093KB)
