Castleford town centre and Felkirk medieval village awarded conservation area status

Wakefield Council approved proposals to grant them protected status to help preserve the character of both areas.

Councils are required to designate conservation areas of special architectural or historic interest.

Felkirk, close to the Wakefield-Barnsley border, has medieval links and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Grade I-listed St Peter’s Church.

St Peter’s is believed to be the first stone church to have been commissioned by William the Conqueror after the Harrying of the North, around 1070.

An assessment document outlining proposals for the creation of the Felkirk and Hodroyd Conservation Area said: “The area surrounding the medieval parish church of St. Peter’s forms an attractive rural landscape and includes listed buildings and the sites of scheduled monuments.

“This area has gradually evolved over time, being shaped by agricultural use, industrial processes and associated transport systems.

“It is important that the historic interest and distinctive character of the area is conserved for future generations.”

The new Castleford conservation area includes buildings around Bank Street and was created following work between council officers and the town’s civic society.

Conservation areas are designed to preserve the whole character of an area, not just individual buildings.

They feature a number of planning controls, including more stringent guidelines on development and the demolition of buildings, as well as special provisions for the protection of trees.

There are now 31 conservation areas across the Wakefieild district following the decision by the council’s cabinet members at a meeting on Tuesday.

Senior councillors also agreed to extend conservation areas currently in place in Wood Street, in Wakefield city centre, and Ossett town centre.

The decision followed a public consultation carried out last year.

Proposals to extend a conservation area in Horbury town centre are expected to be considered later this year after a consultation period was extended.

A report to councillors said: “If the proposed conservation areas and boundary extensions are not approved, there is a risk of losing assets of special architectural or historic interest, or an erosion of the special character of the areas through unsympathetic development.

“There is also a reputational risk in not protecting areas that have been identified by local communities as important to their sense of identity and local pride.”

Jack Hemingway, the council’s deputy leader, told the meeting: “Wakefield district as a whole has nationally significant medieval history and we don’t often make enough of it.

“Ensuring that the medieval village of Felkirk and Hodroyd is recognised in this way helps us put it on the map.”

Council leader Denise Jeffery, who represents Castleford Central and Glasshoughton ward, said: “Castleford Civic Society, who are a really proactive group, have been working with our team on this.

“A lot of community groups in Castelford will be really welcoming this.”

Matthew Morley, the council’s cabinet member for planning and highways, previously said: “These areas really matter and it’s vital we protect them.

“Some hold important historic significance but this isn’t just about the past.

“It’s about the future too – making sure generations to come can enjoy the benefits that conservation brings.

“We know how much residents value the green spaces and conservation areas that make our district special.”

After the meeting, Kathryn Stainburn, heritage lead for the Castleford Civic Society, said: “It’s great to know that so many people care about our town.

“We’re proud of our rich industrial heritage and we’re pleased there will now be protections in place which acknowledge the importance of these buildings.”

Trish and Ian Farr, from the Felkirk Heritage Group, said: “The new protection for Felkirk and Hodroyd will ensure continued enjoyment and protection for generations to come.”