Conservation area plan for Wakefield village

Felkirk has several historic buildings, including the Grade I-listed St Peter's Church

A village in West Yorkshire with medieval links could become a conservation area under new plans.

Wakefield Council said Felkirk, which is close to the Barnsley border, may get the protected status to help preserve its character.

Councils designate conservation areas of special architectural or historic interest, with 29 currently in place across the Wakefield district.

The local authority has proposed creating two more, with Castleford town centre also put forward.

Felkirk has several historic buildings, including the Grade I-listed St Peter's Church.

St Peter's is believed to be the first stone church commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Harrying of the North in around 1070, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The proposal document for the Felkirk and Hodroyd conservation area described surrounding land as "an attractive rural landscape" which had evolved over the years through "agricultural use, industrial processes and associated transport systems".

Wakefield residents have until 27 November to comment on the proposals

Conservation areas feature more stringent controls on development and the demolition of buildings, along with further tree protection measures.

"Set in a peaceful rural location, with little noise or disturbance from vehicular traffic, Felkirk enjoys open views of a gently undulating agricultural landscape interspersed by mature trees and ancient woodland," the document said.

The Felkirk Heritage Group said the village "boasts an impressive collection of historical landmarks", including four listed buildings and two scheduled ancient monuments.

Matthew Morley, the council's cabinet member for planning and highways, said: "These conservation areas – along with the new ones being suggested – really matter and it's vital we protect them.

"This isn't just about the past, it's about the future too - making sure generations to come can enjoy the benefits that conservation brings."

People have until 27 November to comment on the proposals.

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