Views wanted on conservation area changes

VIEWS are being sought on proposals to alter the boundaries of conservation areas in Loughborough.

Charnwood Borough Council has carried out a review of the eight current conservation areas and is proposing changes to six of them.

Conservation areas are created by the borough council and mean that an area’s character or appearance is of special architectural or historical interest and has been chosen to be preserved or enhanced.

The areas need to be reviewed every few years to reflect changes to the townscape.

Coun Eric Vardy, lead member for planning, said: “Conservation areas play an important role in protecting our heritage. However, the built townscape continues to change over time so it’s only right that we review our policies to make sure they are fit for purpose.

“I would encourage people to have a look at the proposals and let us know your views.”

More details and comments can be given through the Council’s website. Please visit, www.charnwood. gov.uk/cbr

The council is also writing to over 800 property owners who will be affected to seek people’s views as some properties will be added to the conservation areas while some will be removed.

The borough’s heritage champion Coun Margaret Smidowicz, said: “I am pleased this work is being carried out.

“Our town has changed and we need to make sure the policies we have in place adequately reflect those changes.

“Conservation areas can help pro- tect and enhance our heritage and help inform future development so we can blend the past, present and future together as best we can.”

The main changes to the current conservation boundaries are:

The inclusion of Market Place and the surrounding streets

Residential areas around Toothill Road

Residential areas around Victoria Street/Park Road

Residential areas around Edward St/Grange St, off Derby Road

The consultation is open now and runs until March 5.

Properties within a conservation area are subject to stricter planning regulations and any changes to buildings will have to be in-keeping with the character and appearance of the area.

Charnwood has a total of 38 conservation areas which are reviewed on a regular basis.