NORTH Station Road’s rich heritage and architecture is to be protected as a designated conservation area.

Colchester councillors started the ball rolling at their Local Plan committee meeting where they agreed for a future public consultation.

Given the major developments in the pipeline which will affect North Station Road, planning projects specialist at the council, Vincent Pearce, explained the added protection was considered necessary.

It will become Colchester Conservation Area No.4.

He told the meeting: “It’s full of little gems I think are worth fighting to retain.”

The presentation highlighted the former lido which existed for which the buildings and “basic fabric is still there”, the untouched artisan cottages on the side roads and the avenue of trees which date back to circa 1900.

Mr Pearce said the council is pursuing a £900,000 grant for improvements but one of the caveats for securing the funds is the location must be a conservation area.

The money will fund reinstating this row of trees as well as helping shop owners to make their frontages more elegant, decluttering the street and refurbishing North Bridge.

It would also be used to “tidy up some ghastly sites”.

Essex County Council will also be lending its support.

He added: “Whether or not we get the money, we believe this area is worthy of conservation area status.”

Committee members agreed to the proposals subject to some changes such as Belle Vue Road and the Norfolk Pub being safeguarded too.

This draft proposal was put forward alongside one for the Mill Field estate between Maldon Road and Butt Road from Beaconsfield Avenue to Constantine Road.

Councillors questioned whether £900,000 would be enough but was assured it would be.

A six-week public consultation will follow.