Have your say on the district’s conservation areas

Four areas of the district are undergoing conservation area reviews, and we want to hear your views on how we can preserve these special areas for future generations.

All councils must designate areas of special architectural or historic interest to help preserve or enhance the character of the area.

There are currently 29 conservation areas across the district. Following recent assessments, we are proposing two new conservation areas. One in Castleford town centre and one in Felkirk.

A conservation area preserves the whole character of the area, not just an individual building. It brings with it a number of planning controls, including:

• control over the demolition of buildings
• strengthened controls over minor development
• special provision for the protection of trees.

In addition, we have also produced Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for two existing conservation areas - Horbury and Ossett. This review includes some amendments to the conservation area boundaries.

A six-week public consultation is launching on Thursday 16 October and ends on Thursday 27 November 2025.

You can find out more and share your views from 16 October 2025 here Current Planning Policy Consultations - Wakefield Council. Hard copies of the documents are also available for inspection from libraries at Horbury, Ossett, Castleford and Hemsworth or from reception at Wakefield One, Burton Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EB.

Or contact us by email wdlp@wakefield.gov.uk or by post to:
Conservation Team,
Planning and Transportation,
Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth,
Wakefield Council,
Wakefield One,
PO Box 700,
Burton Street,
Wakefield,
WF1 2EB
 
We’ll also be holding public meetings where you can find out more. Dates and venues are being finalised. Please check the consultation page for more details.