PARKING could be banned in the centre of Newport as part of plans to preserve and improve some of the most historic areas of the city.

Newport City Council’s Conservation Area Management Plan includes a series of proposals relating to the area, including encouraging businesses to replace modern shopfronts with ones more in-keeping with the historic appearance of the area.

The plan covers the High Street, the buildings running along it, the indoor market, Market Street and Griffin Street and the bus station.

On proposals to ban all parking in the area, a report said: “A principle threat to the streetscapes and the ability to appreciate their significance is the prevalence of parked vehicles on the roads and pavements.

“Not only are the vehicles themselves detracting and obscuring attractive architectural features, but pedestrians must be alert to traffic rather than being able to look up and appreciate the buildings.”

The use of “obtrusive” security features such as roller shutters and large CCTV camera could also be banned.

The report said: “For as long as anti-social behaviour remains an issue within the High Street Character Area, there will undoubtedly be a need for additional security measures.

“However, these must be as inconspicuous as possible, both during the day, when not in use, and at night.”

Landlords could also be required to remove weeds and plants growing from their buildings in order to improve the appearance of the area.

The report said the overall goal of the plan is “to phase out ill-considered modern additions and encourage their replacement with high-quality alternatives that respond to the traditional commercial character of each individual building or groups of buildings”.

It also said it was hoped the improvements would increase footfall around the north area of the High Street, which has decreased in recent years.

The plan, which has been opened for consultation, also encompasses proposals to restore and maintain the historic Market Arcade.

Earlier this year the council was awarded a £177,300 Heritage Lottery Fund grant towards the development of a scheme restoring the Grade II-listed arcade.

Ahead of a second funding bid, the council has presented its proposed priorities for restoring and regenerating the market, which was built in 1869 but has fallen into disrepair in recent years.

The council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing Cllr Jane Mudd said she was “delighted” the project was in progress.

“We have a project group who have had to prepare several bodies of work in order for the council to apply for the final stage of funding early next year,” she said.

“This has included drawing up a draft High Street Conservation Area Management Plan which examines the historic development character of the arcade, its significance, the risks and the opportunities of the Market Arcade and the wider High Street area.

“We have consulted on the project and, if our final bid is successful, work could take place from April 2018 to March 2020.”

Take part in the consultation by visiting tinyurl.com/y8u9cacm before the deadline on Friday, December 8.