Key Recommendations
If Pontypool Conservation Area is to retain its historic and architectural significance it is essential that investment is concentrated into the historic building stock and improving the overall quality of the town centre which forms the Conservation Area.
Key recommendations include:
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The consideration of minor boundary changes to the Pontypool Conservation Area and the designation of the Pontypool Park as separate Conservation Area
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Undertaking improvements to the arrival points to the town to direct visitors and shoppers towards the heart of the town and the Conservation Area
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The creation of a high quality pedestrian environment, incorporating traffic calming measures, from Clarence Street to Commercial Street
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The use of the Afon Lwyd as a focus for improving links between the Park and the Conservation Area
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The establishment of a continuous walkway on the west side of the river to provide a new, useful route along the entire length of the Conservation Area
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All new work within the Conservation Area should have a high level of accessibility
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The Conservation Area should be divided into 8 character areas to help with the development of planning guidance and to give a focus to regeneration strategies
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The use of a consistent range of paving and streetscape materials throughout the Conservation Area using a simple, modern approach to complement the variety of historic buildings and architectural styles within the Conservation Area. This must be implemented in conjunction with a properly resourced maintenance programme
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Priority should be given to the investment and reuse of the historic building stock within the Conservation Area
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Priority should be given to the repair of key historic buildings within the Conservation Area which are in a poor condition and helping owners of these buildings finding sustainable uses for them
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Pontypool Indoor Market, together with its surrounding historic buildings, the Corn Market and the river corridor, should serve as a focus for regeneration and form the basis of a Townscape Heritage Initiative bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund
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Torfaen County Borough Council should develop detailed guidance on the design of shop fronts (including signage and security) and traditional repairs to historic buildings within the Conservation Area
