Winslow’s conservation area to grow
Date Published: 28/11/08
Church of St Laurence, Winslow
Aylesbury Vale District Council has agreed to extend Winslow’s conservation area to protect historically important buildings following a consultation with local residents in the town.
At a meeting of the full council on 26 November, councillors backed a move to create new boundaries to the existing conservation area. The move will give the council more power to conserve and enhance Winslow’s important townscape.
Areas which will now be included in the conservation area include the footpath next to the Old Vicarage in Vicarage Road and late 19th and early 20th century housing along High Street, Buckingham Road and Station Road. A number of other small changes have also been approved to clarify the boundaries of the existing conservation area.
The changes come after a six week consultation run during August and September. In addition to a public exhibition, residents also had the chance to give their views through the council’s website.
Designated in 1969, the Winslow conservation area has helped to conserve the historical characteristics of Sheep Street, Horn Street and Market Square by imposing additional planning restrictions.
Although the inclusion of new sites in the conservation area does not prevent redevelopment of the buildings from happening, it does ensure that any future proposals would have to be in keeping with the surrounding character and appearance.
Winslow was mentioned in the Domesday Book – a major survey carried out in 1086, which has been described as similar to the census carried out today. The town has buildings dating from the 12th century to the present day.
Councillor Sue Polhill, Cabinet Member for Planned Development, said: “Winslow has so much heritage and it’s important that we protect our history. This extended conservation area will help maintain the special character of some of our most historically interesting buildings.”
Plans of the approved boundary changes for Winslow will be available to view at the council’s High Street offices in Aylesbury. They are also available to download from the council’s website.
For more information, or to request a copy of the plans, contact Emilia Hands on 01296 585244 or email ehands@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk