Do you know what a conservation area is and how it affects planning policy? Well, residents in Sutton are getting the chance to have their say about their village’s conservation area.

Councillors at the Development and Transport Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council have agreed to officers requests to review the current boundaries in Sutton through a public consultation which will take place over February.

With the existing conservation area in Sutton drawn quite tightly around the High Street, the consultation will look to hear what residents have to say about the boundary and whether any changes should be made.

For example, should the conservation boundary include other areas of the village or are there parts that should no longer be worthy of inclusion.

Councillor Peter Moakes, Chairman of Development and Transport committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The area of modern Sutton has been occupied for thousands of years with evidence of prehistoric settlements, to Roman activity, to the significant impact of the draining of the Fens in the 17th century. Sutton is now an attractive village and the aim of our consultation is to ensure any future development does not overwhelm the place people call home.

“We hope to get as many views and opinions as possible via our public consultation which will be available from the Council's Conservation Officer, Sutton Parish Council and on www.eastcambs.gov.uk. It is important that if you have a question or point of view to put across you get in touch with us. If you do not give your feedback, we as a council cannot second guess your thoughts and allow for them in the final boundaries.”

A conservation area covers any places of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

For more information on conservation areas, please contact Lorraine Brown on 01353 665555.