Morley, a town celebrated for its rich history and stunning architecture, has expanded its conservation area to protect its unique character and architectural treasures. This milestone, adopted on January 21, safeguards historic zones like St Peter’s Church and Fountain Street, ensuring that Morley’s heritage thrives for future generations.
What is the significance of the new conservation area in Morley?
The new conservation area in Morley is significant as it protects and enhances the town’s historic character by combining and enlarging previous conservation zones. It safeguards against harmful alterations and promotes high-quality developments, preserving Morley’s unique architectural and cultural heritage for the future.
Morley’s Heritage Protection Enhanced
Morley, a town renowned for its unique architecture and rich history, has taken a significant step forward in heritage conservation. On the 21st of January, a pivotal change was made when the local authorities adopted a newly amalgamated and expanded conservation area, along with a management plan. This new conservation area is set to safeguard Morley’s historic precincts against detrimental modifications and advocate for high-standard new developments. Additionally, the plan includes provisions for the protection of trees within the identified boundaries.
The move replaces the formerly separate Town Centre and Dartmouth Park conservation areas. Morley’s transformation, which saw the town evolve from a quaint agricultural village to an industrial titan, is encapsulated in its striking nineteenth-century edifices. The community has expressed, through public consultations, their high regard for preserving Morley’s architectural and cultural heritage, much of which holds national significance.
The Morley Town Deal, funded by a £24.3 million grant from the government’s Towns Fund, played a crucial role in this enhancement of heritage protection. Buttress Architects were commissioned to craft the Morley Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, which underpins the new conservation area’s framework.
Delving into Morley’s Historical Essence
The initiation of the new conservation area and management plan involved an in-depth examination of Morley’s historical evolution. This process was instrumental in pinpointing the town’s unique characteristics and its distinctive sense of place. The aim has been to identify how to best maintain and safeguard Morley’s special charm now and for the foreseeable future.
In a significant expansion, the new conservation area now encompasses five previously unprotected zones. These include:
- Morley Hole area: This area, along with Victoria Road and Asquith Avenue, is noted for its historic back-to-back and through terraces.
- St Peter’s Church area and the station approach: This includes Church Street, Victoria Road, Springfield Road and Lane, Rooms Lane, New Bank Street, and Station Road.
- Mixed residential and industrial area: Ackroyd Street, Peel Street, Albert Road, the northern part of Clough Street, Lewisham Park, South Parade, South Street, Melbourne Street, Gillroyd Parade, and Wide Lane are notable here.
- Fountain Street: Known for its historic back-to-back properties, industrial buildings, and the former Grammar School.
- Bruntcliffe Road: Celebrated for its historic back-to-back, through terrace, and villa development.
Councillor Jonathon Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for infrastructure and climate, commented on the significance of this initiative. “It’s great news that Morley’s unique heritage and historical character is being celebrated,” he said. Emphasizing the importance of conserving historic buildings, he further added, “The updated management plan and newly combined boundaries allow us to protect more buildings of cultural and historical significance in Morley than ever before.”
The New Conservation Area Adoption and Its Impact
The adoption of the new conservation area was preceded by an in-person public consultation in March 2023, online feedback, and thorough consultation with property and business owners. The process was integral in ensuring that the new policies reflect the community’s aspirations and the town’s heritage requirements.
The implementation of the new conservation area and management plan dovetails with the approval of the first two grants under the Morley Town Deal’s Heritage Investment Fund. These represent a significant milestone in Morley’s regeneration efforts. Gerald Jennings, Morley Town Deal board chair, expressed his enthusiasm, “The adoption of the new boundaries is doubly significant as it comes in the same month the first grants from the Morley Town Deal’s Heritage Investment Fund were approved.”
Two properties on Queen Street, opposite Scatcherd Park, are set to benefit from the investment, which amounts to over £200,000, partially match-funded by the property owners. The renovation work will reinstate traditional shop fronts and timber sash windows, alongside repairs to the exterior stonework and roofing. Upon completion, the refurbished buildings will release new commercial floor space and generate employment opportunities.
Ends
Notes for Editors:
For further details on the public meeting that discussed the new conservation area and management plan, please visit the Leeds City Council news announcement. Detailed information about the new conservation area and management plan can be found at the official Morley Town Deal website.
- Morley has expanded its conservation area to protect its rich history and unique architecture, adopting the changes on January 21.
- The newly combined conservation area replaces the former separate Town Centre and Dartmouth Park zones, enhancing heritage protection.
- It now encompasses five previously unprotected zones, highlighting areas with historic significance such as St Peter’s Church and Fountain Street.
- The initiative was supported by a £24.3 million grant from the government’s Towns Fund, contributing to the Morley Town Deal.
- Community consultations were integral to the process, ensuring the new policies align with Morley’s heritage and the aspirations of its residents.