A proposed extended conservation area for Weston-super-Mare has been adopted by North Somerset Council.

The new Great Weston Conservation area stretches from Birnbeck Pier to Royal Sands and includes the town centre of Weston.

Cara MacMahon, Heritage Action Zone Officer, said: “The adoption of Great Weston Conservation Area is a game changer for Weston-super-Mare. By including the town centre in the Conservation Area we gain access to the partnership grants scheme from Historic England. This scheme will generate at least £500k of grant from Historic England over the next four years to enhance shop fronts. It will also engage us with shop owners and residents as partners and stakeholders in the shaping of Weston as a quality place to live, work and enjoy.”

A conservation area applies to an area considered worthy of preservation or enhancement because of its special architectural or historic interest. Weston currently has five conservation areas including Birnbeck Pier, the Boulevard area, Beach Lawns, Ellenbourgh Park and Grove Park area.

HAZ is part of the Weston Town Centre Regeneration Programme that is delivering improvements to key development sites and positively encouraging investment within the town.