Appendix B: Historic Maps of the Conservation Area

5.52 Neutral Areas – those that neither contribute to nor detract from the character orappearance of the Conservation Area:The various areas of green space along the northern side of the StreetThe recently extended Steelite factory that fronts onto Newcastle Street and the areaof hard landscape to its frontage5.53 Key Development Opportunities exist within or in proximity to the Conservation Areathat could enhance the area if dealt with in a sensitive manner appropriate to itssetting. These opportunities are outlined as follows:-The former Wood’s pottery site, off Newport Lane which could deliver more residentialaccommodation close to the Newcastle Street area, encourage better connectivityalong Newport Lane and create a better sense of arrival into the Conservation Areafrom Middleport.The replacement development for the Shirley Street area immediately adjoins theConservation Area and is highly visible at the Trubshaw Cross gateway into theConservation AreaModest infill and under utilised sites within the Conservation AreaThe re-development of the Gymnastics Centre site (provided that retention of thelocally Listed building forms part of the proposal and it also preserves the long views ofMiddleport from the eastern end of the Conservation Area)5.54 Public Realm Improvements could significantly contribute to the promotion and settingof the Conservation Area. Specific improvements are outlined below:-Assess the width of the street and whether there is the potential to widen thepavement available for pedestrians, including considering the possibility of someshort stay parking to enable passing trade for shops (this should be evaluated aspart of a broader transport strategy for Newcastle Street)36