An area of Deepdale dating back to Victorian times is due to lose its special heritage status.
AdvertisementThe Deepdale Enclosure covers the roads around Stephenson Terrace and the grassy area along the side of Deepdale Road.
Preston City Council says its conservation area status has been reviewed and is no longer needed.
A council report states: “The area is considered to lack qualities such as coherence and architectural distinction that are the fundamental elements which make a conservation area.
“The positive elements of Deepdale Enclosure Conservation Area are essentially Stephenson Terrace and the enclosure or park which provides a setting for Stephenson Terrace. The enclosure is owned and managed by the City Council, which means that works to the area, including tree felling or pruning and public realm alterations, are within the Council’s control.
“The lack of a distinctive and harmonious character of Deepdale Enclosure Conservation Area largely result from unremarkable and much altered building stock with a lack of commonality and historic connection. The treatment of the public realm, the over use of signs, insensitive street furniture and the use of tarmacadam do not give the impression of a special historic area that would warrant conservation area designation and justify the extra planning controls.
Stephenson Terrace remains listed, so has tight building controls, and the park along Deepdale Road is in ownership of the city council.
Related: St Augustine’s Conservation Area scrapped in city centre
Cabinet member for development councillor John Swindells has signed off the decision to remove the conservation area status.
The city council is now consulting on its move and is asking local history and heritage groups for their view.
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