Kate ScotterSome may not realise that an area north of the city has historic significance, but now a blueprint of a conservation area in that part of Norwich has been drawn up.Kate Scotter

Some may not realise that an area north of the city has historic significance, but now a blueprint of a conservation area in that part of Norwich has been drawn up.

Members of Norwich City Council's executive will this week consider the Conservation Area Appraisal for Sewell, which explains why the area has special architectural and historic character and how this character should be managed and enhanced.

Buildings highlighted as being of architectural and historic importance include Sewell Barn Theatre, Christ Church, Sewell Park School and the Whalebone public house.

The appraisal will help inform city planning officers looking to make decisions affecting the area and will help determine planning applications.

Julie Brociek-Coulton, a Labour city councillor for the Sewell ward, said: 'It's really good for Sewell. People don't realise all the good stuff we have in the Sewell ward and the appraisal is going to stop buildings being built willy-nilly in the area which is fantastic for that part of the city.'

Sewell is one of 17 conservation areas in Norwich. Others include Bracondale, Newmarket Road, Thorpe, Eaton and Mile Cross.

It was originally designated a conservation area in January 1979 under the different name of Ash Grove.

The conservation area lies to the north of the city with the land sloping southwards towards the mediaeval city walls and the River Wensum beyond.

The area is dominated by the large mature trees and open grassed space of Sewell Park, which forms the centrepiece around which houses were developed during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, lining the two historically important routes into the city.

In the appraisal, there are a number of actions which the city council is advised to take to help improve the area.

These include revamping the railings at the main Sewell Park entrance and improving parking facilities in St Clements Hill.

Within the appraisal, it is stated: 'The city council has a duty to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area where possible.

'Enhancement of the conservation area also depends on the care that individual owners take with the maintenance and repair of their properties and due consideration to preserving and enhancing the conservation area when carrying out alterations to their properties.'

The appraisal and report will go before the city council's executive on Wednesday. The full 32-page report can be viewed by logging on to www.norwich.gov.uk

Are you trying to protect the area where you live? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk