PEOPLE in Banbury are being invited to have their say on the town's architectural heritage and its future to inform future planning decisions.

The town's conservation area, which is designed to preserve the character of the historic market centre, is currently being re-appraised by Cherwell District Council.

Between now and Thursday, July 27, residents are being asked to have their say on issues such as which buildings are worthy of greater recognition, and how the town's built heritage can support its economic future.

Councillor Colin Clarke, the district council lead member for planning, said: "Banbury is a town of great character and history and the conservation area is all about planning for the future. while honouring and protecting what is special about the past.

"From Parsons Street to the Corn Exchange and the town hall, lots of the buildings and public spaces that form the backdrops to our daily lives are protected through the conservation area and we have a duty to consult on how this protection will continue in future.

"The conservation area appraisal is an important document that guides future development in the town, helping ensure that new buildings fit well alongside the old ones."

Officers have proposed to extend the conservation area to include King's Road and part of Warwick Road, with as many people as possible sought to consult on this.

The historic core of the town was designated as a conservation area in 1969.

The draft appraisal can be viewed between now and the end of the month at Banbury Library in Marlborough Road and Bodicote House in White Post Road.

Responses should be posted in hard copy to Design and Conservation, Cherwell District Council, White Post Road, Bodicote, OX15 4AA or emailed to design-conservation@cherwell-dc.gov.uk