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A map showing the boundaries for the conservation area
Have your say to help protect Romsey’s history
Test Valley Borough Council is calling on Romsey residents to have their say on the town’s heritage as it updates its conservation area.
Romsey’s conservation area was first designated in 1970, and defines an area of special architectural or historic interest. The area currently includes the majority of the town centre, including Market Place, The Hundred and The Causeway, which helps to preserve and enhance those areas in the future.
Now, a consultation has been launched as the authority looks at ways to update its guidance for the conservation area. The council has a duty to publish guidance that relates to its conservation areas, and have commissioned heritage experts Purcell to carry out the review.
At the end of the process, a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) will be put together, which will describe the importance of some of Romsey’s historic locations, and offers further guidance on how to protect them.
The 11th century Abbey, Georgian frontages and Victorian terraces are all factors of the current area, as well as mills along the River Test and historical figures including the 3rd Viscount Palmerston.
Planning portfolio holder, councillor Nick Adams-King, said: “It’s vitally important we protect Romsey’s architectural heritage, it is after all what makes our wonderful town so special. So, this plan is vitally important and our work will go a long way to ensuring the heritage is at the forefront of any future plans for Romsey. We would be grateful for your views on the policy, the potential changes and proposed alternations to the conservation area boundary."
The consultation, which will run until November 6, is seeking views on proposed boundary changes to the conservation area and any other points on the town’s history and heritage.
The full draft of the new CAAMP and consultation questionnaire can be found on the council’s website via this link: www.testvalley.gov.uk/RCAConsultation
Comments can also be sent directly to the council via planningpolicy@testvalley.gov.uk