Whittlesey residents are being invited to have their say on a review of the conservation areas and proposed new management plan.
Fenland District Council has prepared a draft Whittlesey conservation area appraisal and draft conservation area management plan to help “support, maintain and enhance the area in future”.
The council is now seeking the public’s views on the documents, which will be available to view during a public consultation running from Monday March 26, to Monday April 23 at the Whittlsey Town Council offices in Grosvenor Road.
A public consultation event is also being held at Whittlesey Library on Monday April 9, from 9.30am, where a Fenland District Council conservation officer will be on hand to answer any questions.
Conservation areas are areas of special architectural and historic interest, formally designated by local authorities to recognise their interests and provide them with protection.
Conservation area appraisals set out the special qualities of the area, identifying elements of the built environment and natural features which contribute to their unique character, appearance and sense of place. Management plans focus on issues identified in the appraisal which may harm the special interests of the conservation area or may require further review.
This information is used to set objectives to manage change, address issues and identify enhancements.
Conservation area appraisals also form an important part of the planning process, providing applicants with a guide to help ensure proposals developed are appropriate for the area.
Councillor Dee Laws, the council’s portfolio holder for Neighbourhood Planning, said: “Conservation areas are an important tool to help the Council maintain and enhance a high quality environment.
“It is important we review these areas to ensure they are properly looked after, and that significant elements are recognised and preserved correctly.
“Our conservation officers will work closely with the community to make sure people have their voices heard, and opinions considered.
“I’d encourage as many people as possible to take a look at the appraisal and management plan and send us their feedback by April 23.”
A spokesman for the council said: “Anyone unable to attend the display at the town council offices or public consultation event will be able to view the draft appraisal and management plan online, from Monday March 26, at: www.fenland.gov.uk/consultations
“Any comments or suggestions on the draft documents should be submitted by 5pm on Monday April 23.
“They can be submitted by emailing: conservation@fenland.gov.uk, left in writing at Whittlesey Town Council offices or sent to: Conservation Section, Fenland District Council, Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ.”
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