Natural Stone and Drystone Walls
11.81 Dry stone walls are the main form of boundaries in upland areas. They are a characteristic feature of the Pennine landscape and represent examples of craftsmanship. Many are now threatened by neglect or removal and the majority of developments in the uplands do not seek to use this traditional form of boundary treatment. Similarly, mortared natural stone walls are a common form of boundary treatment in urban areas, blending in with the traditional built form and materials of Calderdale and sometimes being of historical interest. Walls often provide habitats for wildlife and plants. They provide shelter for animals and often house unusual or rare plants and lichens. The Council wishes to protect both forms of boundary wall as an important element in the character of the district and will encourage their retention, repair and use in development. Accordingly, the following policy applies:-
Policy NE 23
Protection of Stone Walls
The construction and retention of all natural stone walls (including natural dry stone walls in areas of countryside and mortared stone walls in urban areas) in the local traditional style will be encouraged. In particular a development proposal that would result in the removal, or would threaten the future survival, of a natural stone wall will only be permitted where the developer has demonstrated that the benefits of the development will outweigh the harm caused by the removal of the wall and an appropriate replacement stone wall is provided in a suitable location in the local traditional style.