A THREE-year partnership scheme has been agreed to repair and revive important buildings in an historic South Lakeland village.

Part of Burton-in-Kendal was last year placed on the national heritage 'at risk' register after buildings began showing signs of deterioration and decay.

But a plan has now been agreed and almost half a million pounds made available to help restore the village to its former glory and open up potential for future development.

It comes as South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) agreed to enter into a Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas (PSiCA) deal with Historic England.

SLDC will contribute £35,000 annually for the next three years to help residents fund their repair and restoration projects.

As well as the contributions from individual property owners, the parish council will give £5,000 a year for the next three years to help improve The Square in the village and Historic England is expected to confirm a grant of £137,000.

SLDC is also giving the parish council an additional grant of £17,000 to be spent in the conservation area.

“We take the fabric of our historic heritage very seriously and by using a mixture of enforcement and encouragement we will help the owners of key buildings in Burton-in-Kendal to ensure their properties are improved," said Cllr Matt Severn, SLDC’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Media and Leisure. “When we were notified that the conservation area was being added to Historic England’s at risk register this council didn’t just note it but was prepared to act quickly rather than wait.”

Members of SLDC's cabinet heard how monitoring in Burton-in-Kendal over a five to six year period recorded ongoing physical decay, an increase in vacant buildings, the loss of architectural fabric in a key group of buildings and deterioration in the condition of the public realm. Eight local properties in the village have been identified as being in specific need of attention.

A village design guide will now be developed, giving guidance to cover changes to existing heritage as well as the potential design of any new development within or adjacent to the conservation area.

Cllr Roger Bingham, a professional historian who represents the district ward of Burton and Holme, said: "I have to say that no village has been subjected to more care by its residents than Burton-in-Kendal.

"There was a certain amount of surprise that it was considered to be in need of major work, however, I do welcome any help to restore the buildings that do mar the street at the moment.

"Providing the work is sensitive to what is there already and is sensitive to the wishes of the residents, I'm very happy to support it. It is a most attractive village in every sense."