Conservation matters for Bozeat

In an exhibition at the village's Independent Wesleyan Church in Dychurch Lane, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, people can talk to members of the Bozeat Parish Council which is mounting the exhibition on behalf of Wellingborough Council. Visitors can examine plans and see historic maps of the village. The Council's Design and Conservation Officer has researched the village at the County Record Office and begun a draft "character appraisal" which describes Bozeat's historical characteristics.

The Borough Council has been approached by Bozeat Parish Council to establish whether the village could be considered for a formally designated conservation area.  Borough Council officers have confirmed that the older central part of the village meets the required standards.  Qualifying criteria include streets that have maintained their historic character and purpose with authentic building materials.

Design and Conservation Officer, Alex Stevenson, explained: "The purpose of the exhibition is to explain to local people the implications and benefits of statutory designation as a conservation area. Comments from the public are welcome and a people can fill in a form provided at the exhibition. All representations will be taken into account in the final designation assessment and report which will be considered in due course by the Council's Development Committee."

The main additional controls that are introduced when a conservation area is designated cover demolition of existing buildings above a certain size and felling of trees, which require "Conservation Area Consent" and permission from the Council respectively. An explanatory leaflet is available at the exhibition with details of extra controls involved over extensions and other work to houses.

Issued by Sara Smith-Petersen Media Officer on 01933 231836
 ssmith-petersen@wellingborough.gov.uk