The village of Bolam, near West Auckland, is to be granted Conservation Area status.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet recently approved a recommendation to designate the village as a conservation area.
The move follows requests from residents to protect the area from future developments, such as proposed wind turbines, which may not be in keeping with the character of the area.
It means that Bolam, a small rural village with a population of 63 people, requires future planning decisions to pay special attention to preserving or enhancing the recognised character and appearance of the area.
Future developments will also have to be sympathetic to landscape features, views and the village’s undeveloped areas, which contribute to the character or the appearance of the area and its settings.
Councillor Neil Foster, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development, said, “Bolam is a medieval village which has special architectural and historic interest.
“The designation of Conservation Area ensures that the special character of the area will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
