Locals get say on plan to slash conservation area

Details have been released of how people can have their say on proposed changes to a conservation area in Walsall.

Walsall Council has said it wanted to better "preserve and enhance" the Great Barr conservation area, including a sharp reduction in its size.

The local authority is currently identifying "special architectural and historic interests of the area", and proposes shrinking the area back to its original boundaries around Great Barr Hall.

Conservation areas have stricter planning restrictions to stop heritage or natural features being eroded by development.

The Conservation Area was set up around the hall's remains in 1976, but massively expanded 20 years later to take in Barr Beacon, Great Barr Golf Club and other nearby countryside areas.

The proposal would reverse that change.

Councillor Adrian Andrew said the consultation would "ensure that any proposed changes to the conservation area are informed by local community preferences."

“Your views on the Great Barr conservation area will provide valuable local perspectives into how the area can be managed moving forward, Andrew said.

Consultation on the plans continues until 11 October.

Drop-in sessions have been scheduled where council officers will be available to explain the draft plans, answer questions and listen to residents’ views

Pheasey Community Hub will host a session on 26 September while Great Barr Community Hub holds one on 2 October.

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