Residents are invited to have their say on proposals to extend three conservation areas in the borough.

Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, representing the best of the borough's unique and varied heritage. Once designated, an area and the buildings and open spaces within it can attract heritage based funding that would not otherwise be available allowing areas to be improved, restored and preserved for the future.

There are 22 conservation areas in the borough, and the council is proposing draft conservation area character appraisals for three of them. These appraisals have been developed to preserve and enhance areas of special architectural or historic interest for generations to come.

The current appraisals out for consultation are for three conservation areas; All Saints in Sedgley, Wollaston and Wordsley. These appraisals not only recommend amending the boundaries of conservation areas but also highlight issues and proposals for enhancements which can include improvements to shop frontages, the public realm, street planting, green spaces, open public space or introducing gateway features.

In Sedgley the proposal is to extend the current boundary of the conservation area to include parts of High Street, Bilston Street, Brick Street, Dudley Street, The Priory, High Holborn and Tipton Street.

In Wollaston it is proposed to extend the current boundary to areas which demonstrate special interest, including parts of Bridgnorth Road, High Park Avenue, Gladstone Road, High Street, Meriden Avenue and Eggington Road.

The Wordsley Church conservation area looks set to be extended to number three and five Chapel Street and the West of High Street, while two areas are proposed to be removed from the conservation area as they do not possess sufficient special historic interest compared to the rest of the area. Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for planning an economic development, said:

“The council has a duty to preserve and enhance areas of special architectural or historic interest and so we regularly review the extent of existing conservation areas.

“We are looking to incorporate these additional areas as they demonstrate special interest and we want to hear people’s views on our proposals before February 19.”

Full details, including proposals of the new boundaries and an on-line questionnaire, can be found on the Dudley Council website and the proposals can also be viewed at Brierley Hill, Dudley, Halesowen, Stourbridge, Sedgley and Wordsley libraries.

People have until Monday February 19th to comment.