ST ANNES is set to receive a major conservation boost as part of a long-term regeneration project.

Fylde Council has proposed that the town centre be designated as a Conservation Area. The proposed area stretches from Ashton Gardens to Wood Street and from the Crescent to Clifton Drive.

If the plans go through, then planning chiefs will be able to apply for lottery money to help fund refurbishment work in the St Annes Square area of the town.

The council is currently consulting with local residents and businesses regarding the proposals, which have been backed by English Heritage and the Civic Trust.

It is hoped that the decision will be rubber-stamped in weeks rather than months.

That would give planning chiefs tighter controls over town centre development, ensuring that any proposed changes blend in with the surrounding area.

Chief development officer Paul Drinnan said: "St Annes is a very historic town. Although parts of it are worse for wear, the overall quality is exceptional.

"The designation would be a recognition of that quality, and it would also give us stronger planning controls. In addition, we would be able to bid for resources from lottery bodies we wouldn't otherwise be eligible for. And there is a prestige element involved as well.

"Fylde Council has already committed £2 million to the first phase of town centre renewal, which we hope to begin early next year. This will involve the transformation of one section of the main square.

"The regeneration is a complex process, because St Annes is a complex town centre. But these things need to be thought through properly and involving everyone in the consultation process takes time."

Coun Dawn Prestwich, whose Central ward includes St Annes Square, said: "The idea of a Conservation Area sounds good, but it could cost a lot of money because everything has to be perfect. It needs careful handling.

"I would say there's a lot to be done to St Annes, but many of the seeds have already been sown. It's a lovely place to come, but it has rather faded over the years. I think these proposals will make an awful lot of difference."

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