Proposals are being put forward to extend a town's conservation area - and tackle issues such as traffic and graffiti blighting some historic settings.

Five locations in Ramsgate could be added, with the aim of preserving their character and appearance.

Heritage experts also want to see enforcement action taken in order to enhance some key sites.

The current conservation area covers most of the town centre, from the listed buildings near the top of the high street down to the Royal harbour.

It also spans west to include Pugin’s The Grange and east to the Pulhamite-bordered Winterstoke Gardens.

But the conservation area has not been appraised since its designation in the 1970s.

Now a public consultation has been launched by Thanet District Council, asking for residents’ views on which streets and buildings should be preserved or enhanced.

A 483-page draft appraisal published on the council’s website suggests the area’s boundary be extended to include five extra locations.

They are: the urban block surrounding Cornhill; the north side of West Cliff Road; the western side of Vale Square; the south-east side of Cannon Road; and the urban block bounded by York Street, Queen Street, Leopold Street and Royal Parade.

It also suggests adding some buildings of local heritage interest - a pair of 19th century villas at 4-8 Truro Road and some houses from the same era at 22-24 Victoria Road.

The consultants who compiled the draft appraisal say that while the conservation area boasts historic buildings and views, it is blighted by high volumes of traffic, graffiti and “inappropriate signage and advertising”.

They recommend enforcement action at some key sites, such as the “main carriageway” through the area, Victoria Parade, which is “particularly busy at peak hours and...used as a rat run by some drivers”.

The report says: “The introduction of traffic calming measures and improved pedestrian crossings should be explored.”

Meanwhile, the Royal Crescent’s primary frontage overlooking West Cliff Promenade is “generally in a poor state of repair, which negatively impacts the significant views gained from the promenade”.

The consultants recommend refurbishing the terrace.

They also urge council bosses to explore establishing an “area of advertising and shopfront control” in order to tackle signage which is felt to be out of keeping with the area.

Councillor Reece Pugh, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development, said: “The first Ramsgate Conservation Area was designated in 1970 and it covers a large part of the town where people live, work and visit.

“The draft appraisal that we are consulting on will help record what is special about the area and allow the council to make informed plans for its future to ensure that Ramsgate’s historical significance, character and appearance are not harmed.

“Decisions about alterations, development and demolition in the Ramsgate Conservation Area will be informed by this appraisal so it is very important that we hear as many different viewpoints as possible. We would greatly appreciate people taking the time to complete our survey.”

Liz Pollard, heritage at risk projects officer at Historic England, said: “I’d encourage everyone familiar with Ramsgate – whether you’re a resident, it’s your place of work, or somewhere you visit regularly – to contribute their views during this consultation.

“It’s important to take a fresh look at Ramsgate’s conservation area and ensure that the conservation area appraisal is fit for purpose and is a useful tool for making the most of Ramsgate’s rich architectural legacy now and in the future.”

The consultation runs until December 13. See here for more details.

Sign up to KentOnline's WhatsApp service and find out how else to get your news here.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet