Newark and Sherwood District Council adopt changes to Laxton and Ollerton conservation area boundaries including removal of McDonald's
A council has adopted changes to conservation area boundaries, including the removal of a service station and McDonald's.
The revision to the boundary of Laxton will allow for the inclusion of the historic field system and the remains of the Motte and Bailey site, which are felt to be intrinsic to the significance of the conservation area.
Changes in the Ollerton boundary will remove areas that do not contribute to the area's unique architectural and historical interest, such as the services and fast-food outlet.
Members of the economic development committee at Newark and Sherwood District Council unanimously voted to adopt the appraisal following a public conservation.
The public were invited to give their opinions on the proposed amendments in early 2022 through a series of public meetings and the completion of an online survey.
Parish and town councils, as well as local key stakeholders, were also consulted as part of the public consultation — with comments taken on board and the appraisal documents finalised.
Conservation officer Oliver Scott said there had been extensive public engagement, with some great community relationships formed.
Keith Girling, economic development committee chairman, said: "It is excellent that following a thorough and well-engaged public consultation, the amendments to both Laxton and Ollerton conservation area boundaries have been approved.
"Both these locations boast vibrant historical significance. These changes will ensure that they remain meaningful to the people who live and work in Laxton and Ollerton and enable us to conserve them appropriately for the future."
Local authorities can designate conservation areas under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 when they identify an area of special architectural or historic interest, and it is deemed deserving of careful management required to protect and enhance its character and appearance.
These designations offer a positive way to manage change and development while still ensuring the conservation and enhancement of historic areas in the community.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has designated 47 conservation areas.
Committee member Roger Blaney said he was grateful for the work that had been done, particularly in Laxton which he said was essentially three fields.
"There is such pride in the open field system and it's great the community is absolutely supportive," he said.
The conservation area boundary consultations for Newark and Southwell are open until Friday (March 25).
To find out more about the conservation areas, go to www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/conservationareas/
