More places given conservation area status

Two areas in West Yorkshire have been given conservation area status to help protect their historic character.

The decision provides extra protection for parts of Castleford town centre and Felkirk village, near Wakefield.

Wakefield Council said the designations recognise their special architectural and historic interest.

Councillor Matthew Morley said: "It's vital we protect these areas for future generations."

The council has approved the designations at a recent cabinet meeting following a public consultation held last year.

Conservation areas are designed to protect the overall character of a place rather than individual buildings.

They include stricter planning controls on development and demolition, along with special provisions for the protection of trees.

It means there are now 31 conservation areas across the Wakefield district, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council leader Denise Jeffery said: "A lot of community groups in Castelford will be really welcoming this."

Felkirk, near the Wakefield–Barnsley border, has medieval links and contains several historic buildings, including the Grade I‑listed St Peter's Church.

The church is believed to be the first stone church commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Harrying of the North, around 1070.

An assessment document for the Felkirk and Hodroyd Conservation Area said the landscape around St Peter's included listed buildings and scheduled monument sites.

It stated the area had evolved "over time through agricultural use, industrial activity and associated transport systems".

The report said it was important that "the historic interest and distinctive character of the area were conserved".

Senior councillors have also agreed to extend existing conservation areas in Wood Street in Wakefield city centre and in Ossett town centre.

Proposals to extend a conservation area in Horbury are expected to be considered later this year after the consultation period being lengthened.

Deputy leader Jack Hemingway said the district had nationally significant medieval history that was not always recognised, and the designation of Felkirk and Hodroyd would help "put it on the map".

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