New Shropshire conservation area designated

Great Ness Conservation Area includes the Grade I listed Church

Shropshire council has approved the designation of a new conservation area in the county.

Residents of Great Ness wrote to the authority asking for their village to be protected.

The council's historic environment team worked with a group of local people to compile the background information for the application.

There are 120 conservation areas in Shropshire the most recent being Pant Glas and Brogyntyn Park near Oswestry.

The oldest building in Great Ness is the Grade I listed St Andrew's Church which dates back to the early 13th Century. There is also a restored parish pound, where stray animals were kept, and a village pump.

Councillor Mal Price, the cabinet member with responsibility for conservation, said the designation of Great Ness acknowledged its special significance and ensured the protection of its distinct character.

"I am delighted that this proposal has been approved by the cabinet and I am sure many of the residents will be pleased with the decision," he said.

A conservation area is defined as "an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".