conservation area and Townscape Heritage Scheme

Jeremy Spencer Conservation and Design Officer Planning Service

The Sankey Valley viaduct The , built by between 1828 and 1830 for the and railway. Now a Grade 1 listed building, it is acknowledged as the earliest major railway viaduct in the world. The , which it crosses, was the first canal of the Industrial Revolution, making the site of great significance. The ‘deformed grid’ pattern of development

Conservation area issues

What difference does a conservation area make? • Planning policies will respect the historic character of the area • New development will be encouraged to fit in with the historic character • There will be greater control over unsuitable development and demolition • Grants may become available The Townscape Heritage Scheme Townscape Heritage • This is a grants programme run by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) • The aim is to restore the historic character of conservation areas and regenerate the economy • Grant scheme can be worth £1million or more • There are match funding requirements

Townscape Heritage - Principles

• Improved and revitalised local economy • Lower vacancy rates – Including making better use of second floor premises • Encourage gap site development • More attractive environment to work, live and visit Progress from the townscape Heritage Scheme in Flintshire

Keswick

Townscape Heritage – Earlestown

• Possible activities

– Façade Improvements – Bring vacant floors back into use – Improve street scene and environment – Bring forward development Sites – Community project(s)

Townscape Heritage – Earlestown

What’s Next? – Local support –Business Owners, Property Owners, Community Interest / Involvement – Develop Business / Property Database – Development of Funding Pot – Application Development • Jeremy Spencer (Conservation and Design Officer) survey and scheme development • David Gavin (Regeneration Projects Manager) – general / statistical support

Contact: [email protected]

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