Earlestown conservation area and Townscape Heritage Scheme Jeremy Spencer Conservation and Design Officer Planning Service The Sankey Valley viaduct The Sankey viaduct, built by George Stephenson between 1828 and 1830 for the Liverpool and Manchester railway. Now a Grade 1 listed building, it is acknowledged as the earliest major railway viaduct in the world. The Sankey canal, 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] Questions and Comments Thank you Please fill in the comments form .