Residents Invited to Help Shape Melton’s Conservation Area

As a commitment to conservation, Melton Borough Council is encouraging residents, businesses, community groups and visitors to get involved and help shape a refreshed Conservation Area Appraisal (CAA) for Melton Mowbray’s town centre. The updated appraisal will guide how the borough understands, protects and celebrates the heritage and stories that make Melton such a distinctive and welcoming place. 

Learn More at Melton Market 

On Tuesday 17 March, Conservation Officer Toby Ebbs will be at Melton Mowbray Market, accompanied by members of the Melton Heritage Society, to speak with residents about the Conservation Area and the ongoing appraisal. Historic maps will be on display alongside books by local historian Peter Smith, offering insight into Melton’s rich heritage. 

At midday, Toby will also lead a short, guided walk around the Town Centre Conservation Area, starting at the Market Place and taking in Sherrard Street, Nottingham Street, Egerton Lodge, Leicester Street and returning to the Market Place.  

Update on 7 King Street 

The Council recognises that residents may have questions about other heritage assets, in particular; 7 King Street. The building is not unsafe to enter, but specialist surveys have identified long‑term structural movement. For this reason, the Council has decided it should not be sold or let until a full conservation assessment is complete.

Historic Investment in the Building 

In the early 2000s, the Council secured £540,000 of Lottery funding for major restoration, including a replacement roof and extensive internal repairs after the building was stripped back to a shell. These works kept the building safe and usable for more than a further twenty years. As with any building of this age, new issues can emerge, and current surveys show that further conservation assessment is now needed.  

Detailed surveys and conservation assessments are underway to better understand the building’s condition, the scale of work required to secure its future, potential future uses and appropriate funding opportunities. The Council is working with specialist conservation experts to ensure its approach is informed and sustainable. 

Heritage at the Centre of Melton’s Future 

Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of the Council, said: 

“We want as many people as possible to take part in the Conservation Area Consultation. Their views will help us understand what matters and what should be protected. This work sits alongside the wider heritage programme the Council is carrying out, including the Place Programme and the Cultural Audit by international expert Tom Fleming, which will help show what makes Melton unique. These pieces of work support our aim to be Town of Culture 2028 and link with the Heritage Investment Strategy and Country Park Action Plan. Together, they help us make clear and practical decisions about Melton’s future. 

“Our sincere thanks to members of the Heritage Society and other community groups for their tireless work over many years to record and conserve local history and secure our shared heritage for future generations.”  

By inviting residents to take part in the Conservation Area consultation, and by providing updates on key heritage assets such as 7 King Street, Melton Borough Council is reaffirming its commitment to celebrating and safeguarding the town’s historic identity. 

Residents are encouraged to share their views and help ensure the Conservation Area reflects what the community values most. 

Take part in the survey at: https://haveyoursay.melton.gov.uk/growth-and-regeneration/conservation-area-consultation