Reviews of conservation areas in Melksham and Westbury

9.02.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 27th Jun 2008

The council has been reviewing the boundaries of conservation areas in the five towns. Conservation areas are usually around the historic centres of the towns and are areas where stricter planning rules apply to prevent damage to the character of the areas by bad development.

For example it would be necessary to apply for permission to demolish buildings or do works to trees which normally wouldn't require a planning application.

Proposals for the Melksham and Westbury conservation areas were considered by 'cabinet' on Thursday July 2nd.

In Melksham 10 changes were proposed to the existing conservation area, including extending it northwards along Bath Road to include the river bridge and the industrial area beside the Avon.

In Westbury there are 7 suggested changes. The Gibbs Close area has been included, as has the Conservative Club site, which was previously half in and half out.

The proposals for Westbury now go to consultation. Those for Melksham will be reconsidered by the council following a bid to include the area of the proposed Lidl store.

Maps can be seen at

http://www.westwiltshire.gov.uk/~_binet_-_020708_-_agenda_item_14__review_of_melksham_and_westbury_conservation_areas___8211__boundary_changes__-_app_1__a3_maps_.pdf