A LOCAL authority is urging Romsey residents to have their say on the town’s heritage as it updates its conservation area.

Romsey’s conservation area was first designated in 1970 and defines an area of special architectural or historic interest.

To date, the area covers most of the town centre, including the Market Place, The Hundred and The Causeway, which helps to preserve and enhance those areas in the future.

Now, a consultation has been launched as Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) looks at ways to update its guidance for the conservation area.

It will run until Friday, November 6 and aims to gather views on proposed boundary changes to the conservation area, as well as any other points on the town’s history and heritage.

Planning portfolio holder, Cllr Nick Adams-King, said: “It’s vitally important we protect Romsey’s architectural heritage, it is after all what makes our wonderful town so special. "So, this plan is vitally important and our work will go a long way to ensuring the heritage is at the forefront of any future plans for Romsey. "We would be grateful for your views on the policy, the potential changes and proposed alternations to the conservation area boundary."

The council publishes guidance that relates to its conservation areas and has commissioned heritage experts Purcell to carry out the review.

At the end of the process, a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) will be put together.

This will describe the importance of some of Romsey’s historic locations and offers further guidance on how to protect them.

The 11th century Abbey, Georgian frontages and Victorian terraces are also included in the conservation area, as well as mills along the River Test and historical figures including the 3rd Viscount Palmerston.

The full draft of the new CAAMP and consultation questionnaire can be found on the council’s website via this link: www.testvalley.gov.uk/RCAConsultation.

Comments can be sent directly to the council via planningpolicy@testvalley.gov.uk.