A BID to protect pubs, buildings and shops included on Victorian maps could see a town’s conservation areas treble.

A bid to extend Great Harwood conservation area is expected to see the town’s protected heritage zone double in size in the town centre.

A second large conservation area could protect the St Bartholomew’s Church area after a review of the historic importance of buildings.

The plan, which will be released for consultation, would protect properties along Blackburn Road, Church Street as far as Mill Street, and Queen Street as far as Mercer Street, which are highlighted on the town’s 1818 map.

The area includes important buildings such as the Methodist Chapel built in 1853, in Commercial Road, which is now a pub, and a short stretch of terraced houses with the locally distinctive moulded gutter cornice, near Edward Street.

The plans would also protect the Walmsley Arms, Queen Street, which dates back to 1788.

The council says classifying these buildings as historical would also protect views into and out of the conservation area.

Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “It’s a combination of officers assessing the areas and what local groups have highlighted to us. Now we want to consult with people to see what they areas they feel should be protected. It is our heritage and should be protected.”

Streets which may be added to the conservation area include three small rows of terraced houses in Loynd Street and Westwell Street with gutter cornices.

The whole of Cattle Street, which is shown on an 1893 map, could also be added and provide extra protection for the surviving cobbles at the western end.

The site of a Sunday School there is recorded on the Historic Environment Record. Terraced homes in Water Street built for St Lawrence Mill workers could also be added.

The second conservation area would be created around the Grade II listed St Bartholomew’s Church, protecting buildings, views and green spaces.

The boundaries would extend down Church Lane and Church Street as far as Britannia Street, Cliffe Lane as far as the Grange, Park Lane as far as Spring Villa.