REDHILL town centre's Victorian heritage has been given a new level of protection.
A new conservation area, covering many buildings in Station Road, has become the borough's 21st, after councillors gave the scheme the green light.
Natalie Bramhall told last Wednesday's Reigate and Banstead Borough Council planning committee: "I know when we talk about conservation areas in Redhill people tend to raise their eyebrows as if 'do we have anything to save?'
"We managed to find a few nice buildings. Unfortunately we couldn't save the old post office [in London Road, which is to be remodelled], we did try.
"So it's nice we can put the buildings we do have left that are old in a conservation area. I know one of them is a pub, but it is actually a nice old building. It is good, it is positive."
The conservation area includes the north side of Station Road, from Nobel House to London Road, and the south side of Station Road, from London Road to the station roundabout. The Junction pub and neighbouring buildings are also included.
The council says the designation will "help to conserve the historic and architectural interest still remaining and minimise further loss of character", while not affecting regeneration projects planned for the town centre.
