The boundary of the Morpeth Conservation Area has been extended following a recent review. 
 

The changes to the Morpeth Conservation Area will play an important role in protecting the character and appearance of the area and will contribute to its success as a thriving market town. 
 

The changes have been adopted by Northumberland County Council. They include: an extension from the back of Oldgate and Bridge Street to the river; the inclusion of Carlisle Park, Ha Hill and Morpeth Castle; the inclusion of the old Police Station and associated buildings behind the Court House and an extension to the eastern boundary east to Dark Lane, including Dacre Street, all of Manchester Street, Well Way, Wellway Court, the southern side of Howard Road and northwards along Cottingwood Lane.  
 

Other changes have been made to the boundary on the north and west approaches to Morpeth and at the back of the north side of Bridge Street. A map of the Conservation Area boundary can be found on the Council’s website: https://nland.uk/morpeth 
 

Conservation Areas are defined as areas of ‘special architectural or historic interest’ which are to be protected and improved. 

Morpeth’s Conservation Area was first established in 1970 and had remained unchanged for 50 years.  However, following the production of a Character Appraisal and Boundary Review, commissioned from Land Use Consultants by Morpeth Town Council, a number of changes have been made to ensure that additional areas of special architectural or historic interest have been included. 
 

Conservation Areas exist to manage and protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place and are widely recognised as a tool for positive management. Whilst they do include some additional planning controls these do not apply to routine maintenance work, internal works and replacement of windows and doors to most residential properties.  
 

Research shows that house prices in Conservation Areas are significantly higher than those in similar non-Conservation area and that the historic environment is attractive to business. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor, Colin Horncastle cabinet member for community services said: 

“There is a legislative requirement to review Conservation Area boundaries periodically and the need for a review of the Morpeth boundary was identified in the Neighbourhood Plan.  
 

“ Once we looked at the original boundary in detail it was astonishing how many areas which clearly contribute to the character and historic importance of Morpeth had not been included.”
 

“Morpeth has a rich heritage, and it is important that this is preserved and protected for future generations. The amendments to the Conservation Area boundary are a celebration of the special historic and architectural character of Morpeth and the vital contribution this makes to the success of the town as an enjoyable place to live, work and visit.” 

 

Councillor Alison Byard from Morpeth Town Council added  

“Morpeth is a vibrant town that has evolved over hundreds of years and will continue to adapt in the future. The extended conservation area designation will provide a clear framework for new development and will enable the town’s centre to continue to change and thrive, but in a way that ensures that its character, which is a key part of what makes it special, is not harmed.”  

 
“Designation within a conservation area doesn’t mean every building will be preserved and that no changes will be allowed, but instead helps to ensure changes respect the area’s character and appearance."