Barwick in Elmet conservation area - have your say

Residents 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 of Barwick in Elmet 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 that a new 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 at www.leeds.gov.uk/conservation

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

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

“The opinions of local people are an integral part of the process and these two public meetings are an opportunity for people to speak to a conservation officer and make their views on the issue known to the council.”

The outer north east area committee, with the support of the ward councillors, have made this work a priority and allocated money from their ‘Well Being Fund’ to ensure Barwick in Elmet has an up-to-date conservation area protection.

The public consultation will begin on Monday 11 January and will run until Wednesday 17 February. Posters will be displayed in the village to tell people how they can comment. The proposals should be approved by council officials in February 2010.

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

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact;
Claire Macklam, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1578
Email: claire.macklam@leeds.gov.uk