Preservation and enhancement of the town centre’s heritage

The Wellingborough Conservation Area Assessment was undertaken to support the town’s Area Action Plan (AAP) objective for the protection and enhancement of the architectural and historic fabric of the town centre.


The appraisal consisted of:


1.         Planning policy framework including the document’s relationship to the AAP.

2.         Townscape analysis and strategic analysis of archaeologically and historically relevant built form, landscape and views using site observation, consultation with the community and                     Council officers and a review of museum and archive resources including historic maps, literature and photographs.

3.         Site-based studies consisting of descriptions of the architectural qualities of individual buildings within 9 town centre character areas culminating in a SWOT analysis for each character             area.

4.         Proposals for the protection or enhancement of the architectural and historic fabric of the town centre based upon findings from the analysis.

           

 Key proposals and recommendations of the appraisal included:


  •             Proposed expansion of the Conservation Area boundary based upon English Heritage guidance

  •             Recommendations for the improvements to future management of the Conservation Area including improved documentation, tighter definitions of heritage status of individual                           buildings, a building at risk register and potential grants or funding avenues for Council-led maintenance.