THE creation of two conservation areas in Middlesbrough will move a step closer when council chiefs are expected to rubberstamp the schemes tomorrow.

Proposals to protect the old town's heritage will result in stringent planning controls that should guarantee Marton Village and The Grove retain their distinctive feel and style.

Conservation officers believe both areas have sufficient special architectural and historic merit to warrant the protection.

Peter Solomon, chairman of the Grove and Old Marton Residents' Association, believes the plan will help safeguard the future of the two areas.

He said: "The majority of residents are in favour, but it is hard to be precise because there are about 280 properties involved. We know that a conservation area is not a universal panacea, but it will help protect the area from over-development.

"There is a different feel to The Grove and Marton Village, but if we are not careful, it will be lost forever.

"What we are trying to do is ensure that big houses are not demolished and replaced with a number of smaller properties or flats, because that would completely change the whole area.

"This part of the Middlesbrough is important to the history of the town and needs protecting."

Marton has buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and parts of St Cuthbert's church date from the 13th Century.

The area has housed some of the town's leading figures and industrialists, with The Grove growing out of Henry Bolckow's Marton Manor estate.

Councillor David Budd, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "Marton's Captain Cook connections are well-known, but it has many other links with the town's past. Many of the town's most influential people lived on The Grove and several are buried in Marton churchyard."

The council will write to residents affected by the proposals, explaining how the conservation status will affect them.

Coun Budd added: "It is an area with a special character and identity which is worth protecting. It is an important part of our built heritage.

"That is why we are giving serious consideration to designating Marton Village and The Grove as a conservation area."

A meeting of Middlesbrough Council's economic, regeneration and culture committee is expected to agree the proposals at the town hall this afternoon.