New conservation area for Sutton-in-Ashfield

A part of Ashfield is set to become a conservation area to protect its historic nature, with some of its buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Sutton’s market place, St. Mary Magdelene’s Church and Sutton Cemetery are set to be part of an area that will be legally protected if the plans go ahead.

St. Mary Magdalene’s Church is the town’s most historic building and the land belonging to it extends to include the cemetery (laid out in 1892) and a variety of victorian housing along Church Street, Church Lane and Titchfield Avenue.

The creation of a conservation area would provide planning control and allow preservation and enhancement of the historic and architectural interest of the area.

It would also provide control over the demoltion of structures and buildings and the planning authority will have greater control over the design of new buildings, structures or extensions in that zone.

The designation would also confer a level of protection for trees that are not already protected.

The council met last week to discuss the plans.

Deputy council leader, Don Davis, said that if the area was not designated a Conservation Area, there was a risk that the architectural and historic character of the area will be eroded or continue to erode and significant buildings and mature trees will be vulnerable to demolition or removal in the future.

He said: “Establishing the Sutton in Ashfield Church and Market Place conservation area will preserve and protect trading areas and buildings around the market and enable the council to apply for grant funding to support the planned town centre upgrade.”

Conservation areas were introduced by the Civic Amenities Act 1967 and were established to make further provision for the protection and improvement of buildings of architectural of historic merit and of the character of areas of such interest.

A recent consultation has found that 92% of the public agree with the proposal.

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