Easy guide issued to maintain Barking town centre’s historical character

The council has issued new guidance for Barking’s town centre residents and businesses, outlining their responsibilities to maintain and enhance the historic character of the town centre.

The move follows the decision by the council to update the boundary of the conservation area and management plan for the Abbey and Barking Town Centre Conservation Area in October, after a public consultation exercise over the summer.

Parts of Barking were included in a conservation area in 1975 in order to protect the heritage of the town centre. The designation means that any changes that take place within the boundary must conserve and enhance the area's special character and appearance.

Colin Bannon, Town Heritage Officer said: “We are proud of our heritage and so we’ve now updated the conservation area to include new buildings and spaces which add to Barking’s special character, and to remove those which no longer contribute.

“We’ve produced the guide for residents and business owners because we are keen to ensure that any alterations they make to their property are high quality and consistent with the special character of the conservation area.”

The guide sets out the types of issues that people within the conservation area must consider when planning any alteration to their homes or premises, ranging from shop fronts and windows, through to satellite dishes and even pigeon deterrents.

A copy of the user guide is currently available online. In the New Year, the council will also be running workshops to explain the guidance for people living and working in the conservation area and to discuss how to look after historic buildings and make changes appropriately, including when planning permission is required.