THE area in and around Blundell's School in Tiverton, could become a designated Conservation Area after Mid Devon District Council announced a six-week public consultation on the matter.

Conservation Areas are special groups of buildings or areas designated for their architectural quality, including trees and open spaces.

The consultation will run for from April 7 until May 16 and every property within the proposed area will receive a letter with details about the proposal.

Conservation officer Catherine Marlow says: “This is a very beautiful part of Tiverton and it would be good to give it the formal status it deserves.

“The school in particular is of huge importance to the town's history and with its lovely setting really makes a great contribution to the town.”

A manned exhibition will be held in the Council offices on April 28 from 1-6pm and people are encouraged to come and ask questions about how this might affect them.

They ensure that extra emphasis is given to their special character, history and development, and also to their preservation or enhancement when making decisions on matters such as planning, highways, improvement schemes.

A statement from Mid Devon District Council said: “The Blundell's area has a strong character, with beautiful specimen trees, tree lined roads and good 19th and 20th century houses and school buildings.”

The proposed area includes the school and residential housing along Blundell's Avenue, Blundell's Road, the old railway walk, parts of Tidcombe Lane, the Tidcombe Fenn SSSI, Gornhay Orchard area, and Popham Close.

Comments are welcomed on the proposal during the consultation period, particularly about the area's boundaries, and on the appraisal that accompanies it.

All documents can be found on the Council's website during the consultation period.

Following the consultation all responses will be taken to the Council's Cabinet who will make the final decision on whether or not to create the Conservation Area.