BABERGH District Council has designated a new conservation area in south Suffolk to protect an area rich in history and architecture.

Following discussions with the parish council, and a six-week public consultation period, the council has established a conservation area covering a 558-hectare site around the village of Bentley.

This reflects the area's special architectural and historical interest – particularly around its connections to the influential Tollemache family - and means there will be careful management to protect this in the future.

Cllr Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: "We have worked with the parish council for more than a year on this, consulted with the public and taken independent advice.

"Conservation areas are only designated after careful consideration and public consultation. This is a special part of Suffolk with some important heritage assets ancient woodland, and historic associations.

"We believe that deserves protection for generations to come. We will now work with the community on the management plan to ensure that happens."

The Tollemache family lived in Bentley from shortly after the Norman Conquest. They remained there as squires and knights, fighting for both Henry II and Edward I. They consolidated four manors in the area, enlarging an estate they had held since at least 1200.

This resulted in the development of a rural settlement of scattered hall houses, farmsteads, cottages, church and associated structures.

Cllr Davies said: "It is this combination of history, historic buildings and landscape features which mean this area has a special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance."

The council's assessment also recognised a number of potential threats to the special interest of the area - including future housing growth, a solar farm application and potential mineral excavation at Brockley Wood, which is partially covered by the new conservation area.

Cllr Davies said: "Brockley Wood is an allocated site for sand and gravel extraction in the Suffolk Minerals and Waste Local Plan and this conservation area status does not change that. However, we do believe that the special interest of this area needs to be a consideration in this and any future planning decisions."

Residents and businesses in conservation areas may need permission from the council before making alterations such as cladding, inserting windows, installing satellite dishes and solar panels, adding conservatories or other extensions, laying paving or building walls.

Further discussions will now take place with Bentley Parish Council on a management plan, and the community will be kept updated.