Tougher conservation area planning rules proposed

Bishop Auckland's conservation area could expand under the plans

Stricter planning rules have been proposed to protect a town's conservation area.

A consultation has begun on the proposals contained in the Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) for Bishop Auckland in County Durham.

It could see the introduction of tougher planning measures, called Article 4 Directions, which would allow the council to control changes which can normally go ahead without planning permission.

The conservation zone could also expand to include the Railway Street industrial area.

There are currently no Article 4 Directions in Bishop Auckland.

The rules, which affect property rights and can incur fees to secure planning permission, have been used to good effect in many other conservation areas, Durham County Council said.

The town's conservation zone was originally designated in 1969 and reviewed and amended in 1990 and 2014.

Several historic structures are part of it, including Auckland Castle, the Town Hall, St Anne's Church, Newton Cap Viaduct, Skirlaw Bridge and Gaunless Bridge.

Under proposed boundary changes, Peel Street, Chester Street and Railway Street would also be added, as well as 60 and 58 Etherley Lane.

Separate proposals have also been put forward for the Durham City conservation area.

The changes could see the current large single zone split into seven new conservation areas in an effort to make it more manageable.

People have until 15 September to share their views on the plans for both areas.