Locals asked for their views on conservation area review in Guiseley

People in Guiseley are being given the chance to share their views on the town’s existing conservation areas, which are currently being reviewed.

Locals will be asked for their views about the conservation areas and about what they think is special about the town and any way that they think it could be enhanced.

The conservation areas aim to safeguard the special architectural and historic character of the town and protect its important buildings from demolition. Guiseley currently has two conservation areas, both designated in 1985; Guiseley Town Gate and Guiseley Park Gate. Both boundaries have been reviewed and it is proposed to extend the two areas into a single, expanded ‘Guiseley Conservation Area’. The current proposals will make sure that all areas of special architectural and historic interest are included in the new conservation area.

A draft conservation area appraisal and management plan has been produced and is now available for public consultation. Members of the public are being asked for comments on the draft appraisal and the proposed boundary changes. The draft appraisal document will be available online throughout the consultation at:
www.leeds.gov.uk/Environment_and_planning/Conservation/Conservation_area_appraisals.aspx.

An exhibition about the review can be viewed at Guiseley Library from 22 February to 19 March. A public meeting will be held in the community room of Aireborough Leisure Centre on Saturday 13 March starting at 2pm with a presentation and question and answer session, followed by a more informal drop-in session until 5.30pm.

Buildings within conservation areas 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 with responsibility for development, said:
“It is important that we are able to safeguard the special architectural nature, historic character and environment of Guiseley, and protect its important buildings. The best way for us to do this is by updating its conservation areas.

“We are keen to involve local people in this process, and the public meeting is a great opportunity for them to speak directly to a conservation officer, and make sure that their views on the matter are known and taken into account by the council.”

The outer north west 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 that Guiseley has up-to-date conservation area protection.

The public consultation will begin on Monday 22 February and will run until Friday 19 March.

For further information contact the conservation team at: Sustainable development unit, Leeds City Council, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds, LS2 8HD. Tel: 0113 2224409 or email: building.conservation@leeds.gov.uk

ENDS

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