PLANS for the protection and enhancement of the most historic and interesting parts of Bathealton and Fitzhead will soon be coming under public scrutiny.

Taunton Deane Council wants local residents to give their views on key Conservation Area boundary changes as part of a thorough public consultation process.

For Bathealton this will take place between between November 30 and December 18 and for Fitzhead from December 7 to January 4.

A council spokesperson said: “The aim is to make a detailed appraisal, which will take into account feedback, comment and suggestions from local people.

“All 41 Conservation Areas in Taunton Deane are currently under review by the council, and officers are keen to maximise the opportunity for residents to contribute.

“The Conservation Areas cover the most architecturally and historically important parts of the borough’s towns and villages, offering protection to unlisted buildings, important trees and green areas, and ensuring sympathetic building development.

“Planning consents within the areas face more stringent evaluation than standard applications.”

Cllr Simon Coles, Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transportation, said: “This gives members of the public an opportunity to make comment on something that is important to them – their home town or village.

“We particularly welcome feedback on which parts and what aspects of these Conservation Areas people value most, and any problems or issues of which they are aware.

“It is the chance for people to have their say on something that affects them each and every day – their local neighbourhood and community.”

Consultation material will be available on Taunton Deane Council’s website, www.tauntondeane.gov.uk and at Deane House, as well as at Bathealton Parish Church and Village Hall and Fitzhead Parish Church.

Drop-in sessions, where a conservation officer will be on hand to answer questions, will take place at:

· Bathealton Village Hall on Thursday, December 10, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

· Tithe Barn, Fitzhead on Thursday, December 17, between 6pm and 7.30pm.

Responses can be sent online to heritage.landscape@tauntondeane.gov.uk, or sent by mail to Heritage and Landscape, Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, TA1 1HE.