Wyre Forest District Council is planning to extend Bewdley's Conservation Area to include Maypole Piece, a grassy hillside in Wribbenhall. The proposal follows strong resident support during an earlier consultation on the draft Bewdley Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
The council's Cabinet will discuss the Draft Appraisal on Wednesday 16 September 2026. If approved, a further public consultation will take place on the proposed boundary change to include the whole of Maypole Piece within the Conservation Area.
What Residents Said
During the first consultation, which attracted 25 responses, many residents highlighted the importance of Maypole Piece to the town and called for its full inclusion within the Conservation Area. Following a detailed assessment, conservation officers concluded that Maypole Piece makes a direct contribution to the special architectural and historic interest of the Conservation Area.
Maypole Piece forms part of the historic valley-side landscape that shapes Bewdley's distinctive character. It is a prominent feature in views into and out of the town and plays an important role in the historic setting of both Bewdley and Wribbenhall.
Councillor Dan Morehead, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said the feedback received has been carefully considered and the council is now planning to consult on the proposed boundary change.
The Character Appraisal Update
The Bewdley Conservation Area Character Appraisal has been updated to reflect changes since the current appraisal was published, including restoration projects, flood defence works, and updated national heritage guidance. Feedback from the first consultation was generally supportive of the updated appraisal and helped shape proposed amendments to the document.
Next Steps
A four-week consultation on the proposed boundary change will run from Monday 21 September to Sunday 18 October 2026. The consultation will be available on the council's website. The final Bewdley Conservation Area Character Appraisal and proposed boundary amendment will be considered by Cabinet later in the year.