Proposed changes to conservation areas in two Westmorland and Furness towns have been approved by Cabinet.
Local authorities have a duty to periodically review Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plans and the council proposed amendments to the conservation areas in Penrith and Central Barrow.
Consultations on the proposals took place last year.
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.
The conservation area boundary will now 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
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: "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.
"These documents play an important part in guiding opportunities and positive change. Thank you to everybody who engaged with the consultation and helped ensure these areas' special characters are protected."