A series of measures are to be introduced by Bradford Council to help homeowners and businesses in conservation areas understand how important their properties are and what their responsibilities are.

But what is a Conservation Area?

Definition: "An area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance." according to official guidelines.

Conservation Areas were first introduced by the Government as an attempt to protect the wider historic environment.

An area may warrant designation if, for example, it has an historic layout of streets, or exhibits the characteristic materials, style and landscaping of the region or of a certain period of history.

Designation gives councils a general control over the demolition of buildings, strengthens controls over minor development and makes special provision for the protection of trees. In addition there is a planning duty to pay attention to preserving and enhancing the character and appearance of conservation areas and their setting.

Christine Kerrin, Bradford Council's design and conservation team leader, said: "Conservation Areas are our historic areas and they are not called so because they are ordinary, but because they have got special historic interest and architectural merit.

"These places all have their own distinctive characters."

New Conservation Area forums will be held in each constituency where proposed development schemes can be brought in for expert advice on how improvements can make a positive contribution to the character of the surroundings.

In addition a new website is to be set up in March which includes general guidance on the repair and maintenance of historic properties and information about how the Council can help. This information will also be made available at libraries for those without access to the internet. The advice will include chimney stacks, doors, windows, gardens and roofs.

Workshops will be held between officers, councillors and parish councils involved in making decisions about the historic environment to improve understanding of the specific issues in each area.

Officers will have more contact with the local community and new assessment guides will be made available for quicker and easier decision-making. A shop front policy is also to be drawn up.

Mrs Kerrin said: "The new measures are about helping people to understand how that character is built up. Some times it is the buildings and what they are made of, the trees, it could even be down to the style of window or door.

"Lots of different people make decisions about what happens in a conservation area. But sometimes those decisions end up detracting from the character.

"What we are trying to do is create one set of information for all those people to refer to and to help them make an informed decision to feed in - not detract from the character.

"We want developers to understand how their project can enhance the area without being a twee copy of what's already there. It could be by taking certain lines and shapes from existing buildings or the same style of window, for example.

"If somebody is working on a scheme in a conservation area they will be able to consult other people and share others expertise in the early stages through the forums.

"The shop front policy will help smaller businesses by giving guidance on what materials are appropriate, the sizing and even what colour will fit in. In an historic area it just needs to be more sensitively designed."

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the Council's executive member for environment and culture, said: "We are fortunate in the Bradford district to have such a diverse and interesting heritage and residents have asked us to help preserve the character of their conservation areas.

"These measures will help residents understand the historical nature of their homes, show how well-intended projects can sometimes detract from the character of an area and help us work together to carry out sympathetic schemes which combine our history with modern living."

Idle and the Green Conservation Area has been chosen to pilot the project for 2007, but all historical areas will benefit from the new ways of working.

This follows an assessment in Idle which came out fairly low compared to other conservation areas in term of "authenticity" - namely original features on historic properties.

Mrs Kerrin said: "We need to improve decision making. Once all these elements are in place we should start to see a difference. At the end of the day it is about everybody playing their part."

The measures will be introduced over the next few months and follow issues raised during recent conservation area assessments and public consultations. They are designed to improve the Council's service and increase residents' understanding of conservation issues.

In the last year three additional places have been granted Conservation Area status - Middleton, Ben Rhydding and Menston. Residents were consulted heavily during the process. It could see another two areas being designated in the next 12 months.

e-mail: jo.winrow @bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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