A question of conservation in historic hamlet

PEOPLE in Barwick-in-Elmet are being asked for their views about the village’s conservation area – what they think is special about it and how they think it could be enhanced.

The historic settlement, in Leeds, first had a conservation area designated in 1981 to safeguard the special architectural and historic character of the village, and protect important buildings from demolition. A review of the boundary is now due.

It is proposed the conservation area will remain largely unaltered, but will be modified to include more buildings of historic interest. An appraisal and management plan will also be produced to make sure that the special interest of the conservation area is documented.

Members of the public who are interested in the future of the conservation area are being asked for their comments on the proposed alterations. The draft appraisal document will be available online throughout the consultation and can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/conservation.

A public meeting and drop-in session will also be held on Thursday, January 28, 7pm, at the John Rylie Centre, Elmwood Lane, Barwick-in-Elmet. A Leeds City Council conservation officer will present ideas about the changes. A more informal drop-in session will follow, from 7.45pm until 9pm.

Buildings within a conservation area are protected from unauthorised demolition, and new developments have to meet higher standards of design than elsewhere. Other planning rules are slightly different and permission from the council is needed for certain activities, such as tree felling.

Coun Andrew Carter, council leader and executive board member responsible for development, said: “It is important that we safeguard the special architectural nature and historic character of these villages and protect important buildings from demolition.”

The public consultation will run until Friday, February 17. Posters will be displayed in the village to tell people how they can comment.

People can also request a copy of the draft appraisal from the conservation team at: Sustainable Development Unit, Leeds City Council, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds, LS2 8HD.