Residents are being urged to have their say about changes to conservation areas in two Westmorland and Furness towns.
Local authorities have a duty to periodically review Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plans and the council is proposing amendments to the conservation areas in Penrith and Central Barrow.
Consultations on the proposals launched today (Monday October 20) and run until Sunday 30 November.
Penrith conservation area covers the central historic and commercial core of the town - an area considered special for many reasons including its medieval street pattern and organic morphology relating to its past use as an agricultural trading centre with numerous former market areas connected by narrow streets.
It is proposed that the conservation area boundary be amended to remove a small area from the Friargate character area within the existing boundary that includes a 21st century housing development comprising of Bakers Place, Anglia House, Merlin Court and the Eden Foyer building.
The Central Barrow Conservation Area incorporates a layout of streets which characterises the ‘boom-town’ spirit of the middle of the 19th century, with strong physical and visual connections between Duke Street and the industrial areas adjacent which capture an important element of the historic development of Barrow.
The area includes the greatest density of listed buildings within the town and the Grade II* listed Town Hall
Proposed changes include the inclusion of Coronation Gardens, Emlyn Hughes House, Cavendish Street between Duke Street and Dalkeith Street plus Hollywood bar and Theatre Bar, the King’s Arms pub, Alfred Barrow Health Centre and apartment buildings on Michaelson Road; and removing the Holiday Inn and vacant commercial premises in Market Street, modern retail units in Hindpool Retail Park, commercial units in Hindpool Road and Hawke Street terraced houses.
Councillor Vicky Hughes, Cabinet Member for Planning and Active Well Being, said: "We are very fortunate in Westmorland and Furness to have many outstanding natural and cultural landscapes that we want to conserve and celebrate. Conservation areas form an important part of the council’s approach to protecting and enhancing areas of particular historical and/or architectural importance and it is important that they continue to ensure they are up-to-date and doing their job properly.
"I would urge anybody with an interest in these two very different but important and impressive town centres to engage with the consultation and help us ensure they are conserved and thrive."
A public drop-in session about the proposals will be held at the Penrith Parish Rooms on Tuesday 4 November, from 10:30am-12:30pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm. Paper copies are also available to read in Penrith Library.
A drop-in session for the Barrow proposals will also be held on 4 November at Barrow Library from 10am to 12 noon and 4pm to 6pm.