We’re doing our best to protect sites – councils

Jun 23 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

COUNCILS in the North East yesterday said they were doing their best to protect conservation areas.

Yesterday a Newcastle council spokeswomen said: “The council is very much aware of the need to preserve and enhance the special character of all of its 11 conservation areas.

“Each area has a character assessment setting out the key features that make the areas special. We are also in the process of preparing management plans for all of the conservation areas.”

A North Tyneside Council spokesman said: “We recognise the importance of our 17 conservation areas. There are different issues relating to each of the conservation areas on the at risk register.

“Over the coming months we will be formulating a strategy for future action to ensure that these areas are considered to be at less risk or are removed from the register.”

Sunderland City Council expressed its “surprise and concern” that four of the city’s 14 conservation areas are included on the at-risk register.

“It is particularly surprising that the results have shown Ashbrooke, and Nesham Place Conservation Areas to be at risk, considering that these residential areas are among the most attractive and well-preserved historic areas in the city,” said council head of planing and environment Keith Lowes. “Likewise, Bishopwearmouth, contains some of the city’s finest buildings which are generally in very good condition.

“This brings into question how the survey results have been interpreted and whether the register represents a true reflection of the condition of the conservation areas included in it.”