Thurstaston Conservation Area

Thurstaston was designated as a Conservation Area in February 1981. Thurstaston Conservation Area is located on the west side of the Wirral Peninsula approximately a mile inland from the shoreline of the Dee estuary. To the east, Station Road and Church Lane link the settlement to the ‘high road’ running between Chester and West Kirby (the A540).

Thurstaston has a notably rural setting. Landscape, terrain and sandstone boundary walls have a considerable influence on the visual character of the conservation area.

Unlike neighbouring villages of West Kirby, Heswall and Irby, Thurstaston was not developed with inter or post war suburban housing developments and its rural character has subsequently been protected by ‘Green Belt’ policies. The former Dawpool estate and Church Farm have seen significant major changes since the end of the C19. In 1927 the grand Dawpool house designed by Norman Shaw was demolished but the area’s secluded character had been maintained.

The Conservation Area Guidance leaflet explains what a Conservation Area is and how the designation or extension of one affects those who live there. The aim is to provide general guidance and advice on the type of works that normally require planning permission as a result of designation.