00:01Castleford Town Centre and Felkirk Village are now officially protected as conservation
00:06areas following approval by Wakefield Council.
00:10Conservation areas safeguard locations of special architectural or historic interest,
00:15aiming to preserve their overall character rather than individual buildings alone.
00:19Felkirk, located near the Wakefield-Barnsley border, features a number of historic structures
00:24including the Grade 1 listed St Peter's Church, thought to be the first stone church
00:29commissioned by William the Conqueror after the harrying of the north around the year 1070.
00:35An assessment noted that the surrounding landscape and listed buildings contribute to an attractive
00:39rural setting shaped over time by agriculture, industry and transport.
00:44Castleford's new conservation area covers buildings around Bank Street and was developed in consultation
00:49with the town's Civic Society.
00:51Planning controls in both areas include stricter rules on development, demolition and tree protection.
00:57There are now 31 conservation areas across Wakefield.
01:01Extensions to existing areas in Wakefield City Centre and Osset Town Centre were also approved.
01:06Public consultation informed the decisions and proposals for further extensions including
01:11Hawbury Town Centre are expected later this year.
01:15Council leaders emphasise the importance of preserving historic character for current and future generations.
01:20Residents and heritage groups welcome the designation noting it will help maintain green spaces
01:26and historic streetscapes.
01:28Council members
01:29You
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