View of residents sought on proposed conservation area

The proposals affect the Cragg Hill and Woodside areas of Horsforth and Leeds City Council is now asking residents to let them know what they think before the public consultation ends on July 23.

There are currently two other conservation areas in Horsforth; one based around Town Street, and the other focusing on the Victorian Villa developments at Newlay. The conservation area would safeguard the special architectural and historic character of the village and protect important buildings from demolition.

A review of the boundary is also now due and it is proposed that the new conservation area will take in the majority of Outwood Lane, as well as significant historic areas around Cragg Hill and Woodside, which are located at either end of Outwood Lane.

A conservation area plan will be produced to ensure the special interest of the conservation area is clearly set out and members of the public are being asked for their comments on the proposed alterations.

The draft appraisal document will be available on the Leeds

City Council website throughout the consultation at www.leeds.gov.uk/conservation

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 Richard Lewis, executive board member responsible for city development, said: "It is important that we are able to safeguard the special architectural nature and historic character of these villages and protect important buildings from demolition.

"The best way to do this is by designating a conservation area."

He urged people to make their views on the issue known to the local authority. Residents wanting to make their views known can respond by e-mailing the conservation team at [email protected]

The proposals are expected to be finalised and approved in August 2010.