Abbey to become conservation area

Historic Delapre Abbey is the site of the Battle of Northampton

A former abbey and surrounding grounds in Northampton, dating back to 1145, is set to become a conservation area.

Northampton Borough Council is being recommended to preserve and enhance Delapre Abbey and its surrounding parks and give it legal protection.

The council's cabinet, meeting on Monday, is also set to adopt a conservation management plan for the Grade II listed abbey and its grounds.

This would look at how best to look after the area.

The abbey grounds include a walled garden, a 19th Century garden and parkland.

The report also calls for the council to make an application to English Heritage for the site to be included on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Earlier Richard Church, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Delapre Abbey holds a unique place in the town's history so it is only fitting that we look at making the abbey grounds a conservation area.

"This is a chance to preserve a piece of the town's history for future generations, so I would encourage everyone to have their say on the proposals."