RESIDENTS, groups and businesses are being asked to give their views on a document outlining features that make Areley Kings an area of “special interest”.

Wyre Forest District Council’s policy and regeneration team is preparing a document for the Areley Kings Conservation Area which will detail the features that make the area unique.

The “character appraisal” helps guide and inform planning policy and the council’s team wants to hear the views of local people and businesses about the area’s important features.

Areley Kings was given “conservation area” status by the district council in 1993 and is one of 17 designated areas in Wyre Forest.

Under the Planning Act 1990 the council has a statutory duty to monitor these areas from time to time which is why the council is carrying out this appraisal.

Conservative councillor Anne Hingley, cabinet member with responsibility for planning, regeneration and prosperity, said: “Following a preliminary consultation process in 2011, the council has taken on board comments and redrafted the appraisal.

“We are asking local people to take part in identifying the qualities and features they feel are important to the character of Areley Kings conservation area.

“This consultation gives people with an interest in the area an opportunity to help preserve its character.”

Comments can be made until Friday, March 1. For more information, email conservation @wyreforestdc.gov.uk or write to Peter Bassett at Wyre Forest House. All comments will be reported to the planning committee.