Views sought on preserving town's heritage

2:00pm Friday 29th August 2008

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CONSERVING Chipping Sodbury’s medieval heritage is up for discussion in the town.

Views are being sought on the best ways to preserve the picturesque High Street and the intricate details of the town’s architecture.

South Gloucestershire Council is asking residents and people who work in Chipping Sodbury to have their say on issues such as planning regulations and extensions to some of the town’s unique properties.

Cllr Brian Allinson (Con, Stoke Gifford) executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, said: "Chipping Sodbury has many distinctive buildings that are rich in history.

"This will be a useful tool in helping to ensure that the unique character and heritage of the conservation area will be protected and preserved for future generations."

Chipping Sodbury was designated as a conservation area in 1975, which means the council has a duty to ensure that any proposed development will preserve or enhance the special qualities of the area.

However, not all of the town is included within the preservation order.

David Shipp, chairman of Chipping Sodbury Town Trust, said: "The thing that concerns the town trust is the possible development of the Ridings.

"That is the recreation area for Chipping Sodbury and there is nowhere else within the same proximity of the town centre."

Mr Shipp added: "We want Chipping Sodbury to be here as it is now for another 100 years.

"If we do not look after what we have we deserve to lose it."

The new Waitrose supermarket and hundreds of homes planned for land to the north-west of Wickwar Road car park, is not included in the conservation area.

Comment on the consultation by September 22 by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/conservationareas or call 01454 863579 for a copy.