Cabinet approves new conservation area

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet yesterday (Wednesday 16 November 2011) approved the designation of the Great Ness Conservation Area.

The idea of designating the settlement of Great Ness, located north west of Shrewsbury, as a conservation area was raised by local residents in a letter to Shropshire Council.  Since then the council’s historic environment team has been working with a group of local residents to compile background information in support of the proposed designation. 

The oldest building in Great Ness is the Grade I listed St Andrew’s Church, with some sections dating from the early 13th Century.  The village is comprised of a range of building styles and materials, including several large brick 18th to 19th Century houses, smaller traditional cottages, barn conversions, as well as further features of local interest including a restored parish pound and village pump. 

A 12-week consultation with local residents showed that there was strong local support for the proposed designation.  Natural England and English Heritage also raised no objections to the proposal.  The report to Cabinet noted that the designation would acknowledge the special significance of Great Ness and also increase opportunities to work with the local community in managing the historic environment. 

Councillor Mal Price, Cabinet member with responsibility for conservation, said:

“Shropshire Council has a duty to review areas of special historic or architectural interest for designation as conservation areas.  

“The designation of Great Ness as a conservation area acknowledges the special significance and ensures the protection of its distinct character.  The conservation status would also permit appropriate new development only on condition that it maintains or enhances the area’s special character.  It also provides for greater opportunity to engage with the local community in managing the historic environment that they value.

“I am delighted that this proposal has been approved by Cabinet yesterday, and I am sure many of the residents will be pleased with the decision.”

Currently there are 120 conservation areas designated in Shropshire, the most recent being The Pant Glas and Brogyntyn Park Conservation Area north of Oswestry, which gained the status in July 2010.  

A conservation area is defined as “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. 

Conservation area legislation emphasises the importance of the character of an area as a key consideration when decisions are made on development proposals.