A conservation area on the outskirts of Wem will be approved by Shropshire Council.

The council’s cabinet signed off plans to approve the Tilley Conservation Area as well approving a move to appoint leader Councillor Peter Nutting to the board of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and to

The village, near Wem, has several timber framed buildings which date back up to 600 years old.

The authority’s director of place, Mark Barrow, asked the cabinet to give the plans their backing at the meeting.

Mr Barrow said the proposal will mean the area is protected from certain development or work taking place.

He said: “The council was approached by the Tilley Timber Project, a Heritage Lottery Funded (HLF) project drawing attention to the significance of the village and its built heritage.

“The village is particularly noteworthy because of the high degree of survival of timber framed buildings within it, which include seven listed buildings (six Grade II and one Grade II*).

“In officer’s opinion this represents a rare survival in Shropshire and as a consequence the village and its immediate rural setting retains a strong and distinct character.

“The appraisal was received and reviewed by the council.

“This provided a detailed analysis of the built character of the village and the associated open spaces to its margins.”

Independent Shropshire councillor for Wem, Pauline Dee, backed the plans saying: “It is a lovely village and it is good news that this step has been taken.”