Dundee council to explore extension to conservation area

Members of the city council’s development committee will be asked next Monday to agree to a six-week consultation period for members of the public to give their views on the proposed changes.

Councillor Will Dawson, the committee’s convener explained:: “The new boundary contains a mix of attractive properties that would enhance the character and appearance of the central conservation area including historic and well designed modern ones.

“But the proposal is not about individual buildings, many of which on their own would not be of significant architectural or historical merit, it’s about the streetscape taken as a whole and the importance of the area to the city and the country as a whole.”

Proposals include adding North Lindsay Street, part of Ward Road, West Bell Street, King Street, part of Crichton Street and the area around the Customs House in Dock Street to the central conservation area.

A city council spokesman said: “The central conservation area currently has a wide range of architectural styles from Georgian to Art Deco. Many of the buildings are considered iconic including the City Churches, McManus Galleries, St Paul’s Cathedral and Dundee High School.

“There are also significant examples of planned streets in the area, including the neo-classical Reform Street and Commercial Street, both formed as part of the drive to improve the city underway at that time. Open space features heavily in the form of City Square, around McManus Galleries and the Howff.

“Dundee has 17 conservation areas which ensure that new developments and alterations will not have a negative impact on its existing character.”