Plans to expand area protecting historic buildings

Bishop Auckland's conservation area is used to protect the town's historic buildings

People have been urged to have their say on plans to expand a conservation area which protects a town's historic buildings.

Durham County Council has proposed changing the boundary of the Bishop Auckland Conservation Area.

Under the plans, the town's Railway Street industrial area would be granted additional protections.

Elizabeth Scott, the council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said the conservation area allowed Bishop Auckland to be regenerated in a "controlled and sympathetic way".

Railway Street industrial area has been earmarked for inclusion after Historic England identified the area as historically significant.

The council's consultation report said Peel Street, Chester Street and Railway Street had retained their "industrial character" despite much of the town's railway past being "swept away".

The proposal aims to expand Bishop Auckland's conservation area

The plan also intends to add two properties, numbers 60 and 58, on Etherley Lane to the conservation area.

Number 60 was once known as Thornfield House and now operates as a care home while number 58 has been described in the consultation report as a "late Victorian or Edwardian residence, set in private grounds with an attractive corner tower".

Meanwhile, the Bishopgate Lodge Care Home is set to be removed as it is a "modern brick building which makes no contribution to the special interest and character of the conservation area", the report said.

A drop-in session will take place at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on 23 July for those wishing to discuss the proposal.

Those affected by the planned boundary changes are asked to attend between 18:00 and 19:00 BST. Those with general queries are asked to arrive between 19:00 and 20:30 BST.

The consultation closes at 17:00 BST on 19 August.