Cotswold District Council has taken steps to protect the old Wilts and Glos Standard newspaper building at 74 Dyer Street, Cirencester.

It is serving an Article 4 Direction which will ensure that changes cannot be made to the building - particularly the older part which overlooks Dyer Street - without a planning application.

74 Dyer Street, which is currently vacant, was built in 1904 as a newspaper office and it is a prominent and attractive building in the town centre.

It was designed by V.A. Lawson, a very influential local architect who was also responsible for a number of other important buildings in Cirencester, such as the former Bingham Library.

Commenting on the serving of the Article 4 Direction, Cllr Mark MacKenzie-Charrington, CDC Cabinet Member for Heritage and Design issues, said: "The Council considers that 74 Dyer Street contributes very strongly to the character of the conservation area and the local townscape - visually, architecturally and historically."

Anyone wishing to comment on the Article 4 Direction should go to www.cotswold.gov.uk/about-the-council/having-your-say/consultations/ The deadline for representations is the end of Monday 28 May 2018. The council will consider all representations before taking a decision on whether or not to confirm the Direction.

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