SCREENING
Bewdley Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Recommendations
Last updated 6 March 2026
The assessment
New or existing service or policy?
New
Directorate/service area
Strategic Growth
Officer(s) responsible for:
- Service/policy/project: Jamie Richards, Conservation Officer
- Completing equality impact assessment: Jamie Richards, Conservation Officer
Date
6 March 2026
What is the purpose? What are the outcomes?
The document sets out the significance of the Conservation Area and proposed actions to preserve and enhance its special architectural and historic interest.
Are there any statutory requirements? Who are the main customer groups / stakeholders?
Bewdley Town Council and Bewdley Civic Society will be invited to comment on the appraisal and discuss with officers. The document is aimed at local authority planning officers, applicants, developers, relevant organisations and the wider community in Bewdley.
Who is intended to benefit from this service/policy? How will they benefit?
By encouraging the preservation and enhancement of the conservation area this will result in a positive impact for members of the population through a more structured approach to critiquing proposals and plans.
What information are you using? What does the evidence show you?
The document uses historical sources relating to the development of Bewdley and evidence gathered on the ground during detailed surveys of the buildings in the area.
What impact does the service/policy/project have on the following equality strands?
Protected characteristics: definitions
Before the Equality Act 2010, there were 3 separate public sector equality duties covering race, disability, and gender. The Equality Act 2010 replaced these with a new single equality duty covering the following protected characteristics.
| Characteristic and definition | Impact and evidence |
|---|---|
|
1. Age |
Positive: By encouraging the preservation and enhancement of the conservation area, this will result in a positive impact for members of the population within all age groups. |
|
2. Disability |
Neutral: Some Listed Buildings may be harder to adapt for full disabled access. |
|
3. Gender Reassignment |
Neutral: not applicable |
|
4. Marriage and Civil Partnership |
Neutral: not applicable |
|
5. Pregnancy and Maternity |
Neutral: not applicable |
|
6. Race |
Neutral: not applicable |
|
7. Religion of belief |
Neutral: not applicable |
|
8. Sex |
Neutral: not applicable |
|
9. Sexual Orientation |
Neutral: not applicable |
|
Other e.g. deprivation, health inequalities, urban/rural divide, community safety |
Positive Evidence: It is hoped that by encouraging the preservation/ enhancement of buildings in the Conservation Area, the public realm will be improved and thus the economic benefits of increased trade, tourism, etc. will have a positive effect on the general well-being of Bewdley. The management plan will propose the most sympathetic methods of making changes which can have a positive impact on the character of the conservation area. |
Review
Can any differential impact be justified? (for example, promoting equality of opportunity)
Some potential differential impacts due to the historic nature of buildings within the Bewdley Conservation Area. In some cases, listed and historic buildings can be more difficult to adapt to provide full disabled access due to the need to preserve historic character and fabric. However, the Character Appraisal and Management Plan aim to guide changes in a sensitive way and encourage appropriate solutions where alterations are proposed. The appraisal is also expected to have positive impacts by encouraging the preservation and enhancement of the conservation area, improving the public realm and supporting tourism, economic activity and general well-being for the wider community.
Does any adverse impact amount to unlawful discrimination?
Not applicable
What alternative actions could be taken to mitigate any adverse impact? (Add these to the action plan)
Not applicable
Consultation
Detail any specific consultation on this service/policy (if there is insufficient data, further consultation will need to be undertaken and included in the action plan)
Bewdley Town Council and Bewdley Civic Society will be invited to comment on the appraisal and discuss with officers.
Conclusion
Can the service/policy proceed?
Yes
How will the service/policy be monitored and reviewed? (please give a timescale)
Overview and Scrutiny and a 4-week consultation period
Is a full assessment required?
No
Signed: Jamie Richards, Conservation Officer
Date: 6 March 2026