West Kirby Conservation Area

The "old village" area of West Kirby was designated as a Conservation Area in September 1973. It incorporates the nucleus of the old medieval hamlet and includes many of the oldest buildings in West Kirby. The area also contains a buffer zone of undeveloped land which gives the northern part of the conservation area a ‘semi rural’ setting. The old village was the centre of a large medieval parish. It is however not possible to interpret the development of the plan back to the medieval period as apart from the fixed point of the church the plan form of the settlement is not obvious.

There is however evidence of human occupation and the first trace of possible settlement at West Kirby as early as the bronze age. Archaeological evidence found in the area would also indicate a settled Viking community.

Through out the 16th, 17th and 18th century West Kirby remained a rural township sustained by small scale and agriculture and supplemented by fishing. The principal changes taken place over the last 100 years have included new buildings and housing constructed in former garden plots and highway works.

Today the character of the Area is primarily derived from its historic associations but is significantly enhanced by the design and setting of its major buildings, such as St. Bridget's Church and Rectory, unifying features such as red sandstone walls, woodland areas, narrow unmade paths and lanes, and by the open aspect of remnant fields which originally surrounded the Village.

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.