PLANS to turn an area of Potters Bar into a conservation area have been met with general approval by councillors.

At a meeting held at the Wyllyotts Centre on Thursday evening, members of the Potters Bar and Shenley planning committee gave their views on Hertsmere Borough Council’s proposals to create a new conservation area, called the Darkes Lane west Conservation area, covering a section of Darkes Lane, The Avenue, Heath Drive, Manor Way and Mountway.

The move would mean any residents living in the area wishing to make alterations to their properties would be subject to different planning laws, and any changes would need to be sensitive to the character of the surrounding area.

It could also mean that Hertsmere Borough Council introduced a special enhancement scheme, to improve the neighbourhood.

The plans were met mainly with approval by councillors, although councillor Peter Knell pointed out that Heath Cottage, in Cedar Close, is not included in the scheme.

Cllr Knell and Cllr Bob Calcutt also criticised the council for not telling residents living the area about the plans ahead of the meeting, and pointed out that homeowners were only made aware of the plans thanks to the front page story in this week’s Potters Bar Edition.

The views of the committee will now be taken back to the council, and relevant amendments made to the scheme.

If the plans are approved, a public consultation on the conservation area can be expected in January 2011.