Proposed New Conservation Areas – Consultation
Consultation on new Conservation Areas in Crawshawbooth and Helmshore
Consultation ends Tuesday 27 October 2026
Why are Crawshawbooth and Helmshore proposed to be designated as Conservation Areas?
Following proposals in the adopted Rossendale Local Plan (2019 to 2036) identifying potential new conservation areas, appraisals of the special historic and architectural interest of Crawshawbooth and Helmshore were undertaken in summer 2026.
These appraisals highlight that Crawshawbooth and Helmshore both have significant townscape quality including characterful buildings of the 19th and early 20th century. A Management Plan is included for each which proposes measures to preserve and re-establish this character in order to enhance the appearance of the areas.
The benefits of designating both Crawshawbooth and Helmshore as conservation areas include supporting the safeguarding of their historic environment.
Drop-in events
Drop-in events where you can view documents and ask questions will be taking place.
For Helmshore Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
A drop-in session will be held at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum Holcombe Road, Helmshore BB4 4NP on Tuesday 29 September between 5pm and 7.30pm
For Crawshawbooth Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
A drop-in session will be held at Crawshawbooth Community Library on Tuesday 6 October 2026 between 4pm and 7pm
How can I comment on the proposed designation?
We invite comments on the designation of Crawshawbooth and Helmshore Conservation Areas. The consultation will close on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
Prior to making a comment please take a look at these documents:
Crawshawbooth
- Boundary Plan of the proposed Conservation Area
- Map showing the Crawshawbooth Character Areas
- Crawshawbooth Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP)
- Crawshawbooth CAAMP Appendices
Helmshore
- Boundary Plan of the proposed Conservation Area
- Helmshore Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP)
- Helmshore CAAMP Appendices
Please complete the surveys below
Alternatively email forwardplanning@rossendalebc.gov.uk or write to Forward Planning Team, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, OL13 0BB, Rossendale.
Printed Copies
Printed copies of the Crawshawbooth and Helmshore Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans can be viewed at the Customer Service Hub at Futures Park, Bacup, OL13 0BB. A copy of Crawshawbooth Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan is provided at Crawshawbooth Community Library and a copy of Helmshore Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan is provided at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, during normal opening hours. Copies will also be available to read at the drop-in sessions.
Please see our FAQ's for more information.
Next Steps
The comments received will inform the decision whether to designate Crawshawbooth and Helmshore as new Conservation Areas. These comments will be published, and a summary will be outlined in a report to Members.