Buckingham conservation areas expanded to protect town's character

It has approved the expansion of conservation sites in Buckingham and made removals and additions to its charter in Winslow and Haddenham.

Yesterday, the authority confirmed Buckingham’s boundary lines have moved to better protect and enhance the distinctive character and heritage of the town.

Bucks Council authorised the changes after a six-week consultation period. In Buckingham four conservation areas have been expanded. In the town there are now four character areas; these zones are defined as distinct areas which can be identified by a combination of their landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity, as well as their cultural and economic activity.

The extensions to existing boundaries involved including Moreton Road, part of Stowe Avenue and Stowe Rise, and the north-west of Mitre Street and part of Gawcott Road, including Buckingham Railway Walk west, Station Road and the Royal Latin School, including Buckingham Railway Walk east.

In Haddenham the council has made four additions and two removals from its area plan and says the town now has 10 character areas. The eastern ends of Rudd’s Lane and Rosemary Lane have been added to the council’s protected list and Townside cottage is now included, alongside Windmill Road Terrace, and sweeping verges in the village.

Stokes Road has been removed due to the construction of new-build houses within the street. The other removal in the village is said to be a minor tweak.

In Winslow there were two additions and removals from the council’s plan. Claremont Close has been removed, as well as the Old Vicarage and Old Rectory Close, due to a new development being constructed in the neighbourhood.

Councillor Peter Strachan said: “The conservation areas, as set out in the updated conservation area appraisals and management plans, give the Council a stronger framework to preserve and enhance the distinctive architecture, character, and heritage of these three towns.

“There can sometimes be myths and misunderstandings about what it means to live in a conservation area. To address this, we are publishing a set of frequently asked questions alongside the conservation area plans, which I’d encourage residents to read.”