Residents are encouraged to give their views on proposals following a recent review of the Leominster Town Centre Conservation Area

Residents, property owners and businesses are being asked to have their say on a review of a Leominster conservation area, including a revision to its conservation area boundary.

A Conservation Area is designated because of the special quality of an area’s architectural and historic interest, with the aim of preserving or enhancing the unique character or appearance. Conservation Area status strengthens control over demolition, minor development, advertisements and the protection of trees within the designated area.

Leominster Town Centre was designated as a Conservation Area in May 1969, in recognition of the special architectural quality and remarkable range of building types.

A recent review of the Leominster Town Centre Conservation Area has been funded by the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone programme. The appraisal looked to identify elements of special interest in terms of archaeology, built heritage and natural environment.

Although the majority of the Conservation Area will remain unchanged, during the appraisal the boundary of the existing Conservation Area was reviewed and consideration given to extend it to the north to include additional buildings that would contribute to the character of the conservation area.

To view the draft Conservation Area Appraisal and the extension to the conservation area please visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations

There will also be two virtual events where you can ask questions on Thursday 8 September and Thursday 22 September from 6pm to 7pm. For details of how to join see www.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations

To view the documents in person, drop-in events will be held at Leominster Town Council Offices on Friday 26 August and Thursday 22 September between 10am and 5pm.

The consultation will close on Monday 26 September.

More about the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme

The Leominster HSHAZ is a regeneration initiative supported by Historic England, delivered through Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council. Historic England has committed funding towards a multi-million pound scheme, which is supported by a matched financial contribution from Herefordshire Council and contribution in kind from Leominster Town Council.

This major investment in the market town over the next three years looks to deliver schemes that will transform buildings, restoring local historic character and improving public spaces. The project will see street scene improvements in the High Street, Corn Square and the wider conservation area, creating a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

The programme is being led by a steering group chaired by the Mayor of Leominster, Councillor John Rumsey, with representatives from Leominster Town Council, Herefordshire Council, Historic England, and local business and community groups.

Conservation areas in Herefordshire

There are currently 64 conservation areas in Herefordshire. They vary in size from tiny hamlets to villages to country house estates, market towns, and include Hereford's historic centre. Maps of all the conservation areas can be found on the Herefordshire Council website. https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/conservation-1/conservation-areas/3

About Heritage Action Zones

The High Streets Heritage Action Zone initiative is funded with £40million from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund and £52million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund. A further £3million will be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme.

More than 60 high streets have been offered funding to give them a new lease of life. Historic England is working with local people and partners through grant funding and sharing skills to help breathe new life into high streets that are rich in heritage and full of promise - unlocking their potential and making them more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.

Published: 15th August 2022