Conservation Area: Eaton Conservation Area (090)

The centre of the village is relatively compact, and this character is further emphasised by the winding nature of Eaton Lane, the main north-south route through the village. There is a serious problem of through traffic in Eaton, however, the character of the village has not yet been irretrievably eroded. There are no less than eight farmhouses and associated buildings within the Conservation Area, which help to maintain a traditional rural character. Eaton is the only village in Vale Royal where thatch is a really conspicuous roofing material, and this is a feature which should be preserved. The other main roofing material is Welsh slate. Toe traditional walling materials are sandstone and red brick which are still very evident throughout the village, although some properties have been rendered. The Conservation Area contains a number of statutory Listed Buildings. In addition, there are numerous other buildings of considerable local architectural merit. The built form of the village cannot be divorced from its setting and the boundary has been drawn to include adjacent surrounding fields. This offers a degree of protection to important views in and out of the village. Trees are also important elements in the village scene and those felt to be of particular amenity value have already been covered by Tree Preservation Orders.