Wakefield Council has strengthened heritage protections across the district with the approval of two new conservation areas and boundary updates to existing ones.
At a recent cabinet meeting, the council confirmed new conservation designations in Castleford and Felkirk and Hodroyd, alongside extensions to the boundaries of the Ossett and Wood Street conservation areas in Wakefield city centre.
The changes follow public consultations and collaboration with local residents, heritage groups, Historic England and the West Yorkshire Archaeology Service.
Local community groups, including the Castleford Civic Society and Felkirk Heritage Group, played a key role in shaping the proposals, highlighting pride in their areas’ industrial and architectural history.
The updated conservation areas will support future planning decisions and regeneration while ensuring the district’s unique heritage continues to be protected and celebrated.
‘The ongoing work we’re doing will help protect the district’s heritage properly,’ commented Cllr Matthew Morley, Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways.
‘It also supports future planning decisions and regeneration, in line with the proposed new national requirements, requiring Councils to regularly review conservation areas.’
