Members of the public are to be asked what they think about plans to preserve Rhyl’s town centre.

Councillors on the county’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of opening a consultation on the Rhyl conservation area.

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest which has a character or appearance which is desirable to preserve.

Originally, there were two separate conservation areas in central Rhyl but, in 2007, it was decided to review them and combine them into one larger conservation area.

The current conservation area covers much of the town centre, from Abbey Road in the east to Bath Street in the west and from West Parade in the north to the railway station in the south.

Changes to the boundaries of the conservation area are required, according to planning officers.

Areas around Edward Henry Street, Bedford Street and Queen Street are proposed to be removed due to erosion of character, and areas around Morlan Park, Bath Street and High Street are suggested for inclusion as they retain character which should be protected, officers said.

The public consultation period would be for a minimum of eight weeks and is expected to start on September 3.

A report before councillors on the committee said: “A local list is suggested as a positive way forward to celebrate the unlisted historic assets in the town, adding a layer of protection against inappropriate alteration by ensuring that a building’s special interest is a consideration in the planning process.

“Denbighshire County Council conservation would be responsible to collate this list but at present only one conservation officer is employed on a part time basis for half a week, leaving insufficient resources to carry out such a task.

“Another option would be to employ a consultant should funding become available.

“The consequences of not providing a local list are that inappropriate alterations may take place on unlisted historic assets within the town.”