St Ives residents are about to be consulted on proposals to change the boundary of the existing conservation area of their town and to consider ways of improving the character of the area.

Originally designated in 1978, the St Ives conservation area is in need of a full review, to bring it up to date and make it more in line with current good practice. The review will examine why the area is special and suggest ways in which some parts could be improved

Conservation areas help to ensure that new development is in keeping with the special architectural and historic character of our traditional towns and villages. They also help to preserve and improve the existing character of an area.

If local people and organisations agree with the proposals, St Ives conservation area will be extended to take in parts of the town that were built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This will include the open land between the western parish boundary and Green End, which forms part of the landscape setting for the town. The extension will also incorporate areas that were part of the medieval landscape of the town.

The three consultation drafts “St Ives Conservation Area Boundary Review”, “St Ives Conservation Area Character Statement” and “St Ives Conservation Area Management Plan” may be inspected at the planning services reception desk at Pathfinder House and are available on the council’s website. These three consultation documents follow advice laid down by English Heritage, the statutory organisation with over all responsibility for the historic environment. The St Ives conservation area is one of 61 in Huntingdonshire.

Councillor Peter Bucknell Executive Councillor for Planning Services said, “The public consultation on these three documents is part of the council’s determination to be a leader in good practice and take account of the views of local people. English Heritage has applauded the approach taken on the review of our conservation areas in the district.”

Huntingdonshire District Council, which is responsible for designating and managing local conservation areas, was judged as “excellent” following a review of its services two years ago.

Views from the public are welcomed and should be made known to the Head of Planning Services by Wednesday 9 May. Response forms are available from the council offices, and at the public exhibitions to be held at the Free Church on Market Hill from 9:30am – 4:30pm on the 20 April and 9:30 – 2:00 on the 21 April. Enquiries about how to comment may be made to Matthew Hare or Susan Smith in the conservation team, tel: 01480 388415.