2025 Conservation Area Review – next steps and further consultation January 2026
At the end of 2025, the council ran a public consultation on two new conservation areas (Castleford and Felkirk) and reviews of the existing conservation areas in Horbury and Ossett.
We have now considered the responses to that consultation and intend to take a report to Cabinet in February 2026. Cabinet will take decisions on the proposed designations and boundary amendments. The report and additional information will be available in advance of the Cabinet meeting.
Additional focussed consultation for an extension to Horbury Conservation Area
The Council has undertaken an assessment of additional areas that were proposed for inclusion within conservation area boundaries.
The majority of these areas did not meet the test for designation as a conservation area. One small area within Horbury was assessed as potentially meriting protection within the conservation area. We are running a focussed public consultation on the proposal to include this area within the Horbury conservation area.
If you have any comments on the proposed further extension to the boundary as shown on the map, please email wdlp@wakefield.gov.uk The consultation will run from Thursday 8 January 2026 until Monday 9 February 2026.
The addresses that are included in the consultation are:
- 1 Stonehouse Gardens
- 2 Stonehouse Gardens
- 3 Stonehouse Gardens
- 4 Stonehouse Gardens
- 5 Stonehouse Gardens
- 6 Stonehouse Gardens
- 7 Stonehouse Gardens
- 8 Stonehouse Gardens
- 12 Stringer Lane
- 64 Cluntergate
- 66 Cluntergate
Background to the proposals
The council undertakes an annual review of the district’s conservation areas. This year, we have produced conservation area appraisals and management plans for Horbury and Ossett.
An appraisal helps residents, business owners, developers, and the public understand the significance of the area. It will ensure its special interest and character is preserved and enhanced for future generations, and will:
- assist in defining what is of 'special' architectural or historic importance
- give recommendations on features and characteristics that should be protected
- identify possible areas for future enhancement within the designated area
- provide guidance on the form, style and location of future change and development within the designated area
We have also identified two new conservation areas, one in Castleford town centre and one in the village of Felkirk. An appraisal for the proposed Castleford Conservation Area will follow in 2026.
Conservation Areas under review
New Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans