A SITE which has been the subject of a controversial planning move has been dropped from a proposed conservation area in Royston. Originally, the site of the Royston telephone exchange was earmarked to be part of the new conservation area. But after a con

A SITE which has been the subject of a controversial planning move has been dropped from a proposed conservation area in Royston.

Originally, the site of the Royston telephone exchange was earmarked to be part of the new conservation area.

But after a consultation period the site was ruled out.

The site had been the subject of a row between mobile telephone company O2 and nearby residents when it proposed erecting a 73ft mast on the land.

Residents believed that including the site in the new conservation area would ensure that the mast could not be erected.

In spite of the site being outside the conservation area the fact it is on the edge of the area is likely to lend it some protection, councillors on North Herts District Council's Royston area committee have been told.

Planning officer Mary Caldwell told members at a meeting on Wednesday: "Although it is not in the conservation area the site would still be safeguarded as it is adjacent to a conservation area."

Conservation officer Mark Simons said the site could not be seen as one that justified any special interest.

"The site did not meet the criteria as one of historical interest," he said.

The committee rejected a move to have the corn mill in Kneesworth Street removed from the proposed conservation area.

They believed it was a building of significant interest to remain in the area