Traders will think twice about opening in in the township if they are then legally required to carry out more expensive and beauracratic alterations, the Metro planning committee has been told.
After a lengthy consultation, councillors have agreed to extend the boundaries of the original zone which was set up in 1989 to include historically important key townscape elements, such as the Union Arms pub in Elliot Street and St George's Church.

Places of interest suggested by residents for inclusion which failed to make it into the revised Conservation Area include Tyldesley Baths, the Kings Tavern and Gemini Nightclub premises.
Although all will now be listed as 'Blints' - buildings with local interest.

Metro director of environmental services Martin Kimber believes the changes are necessary and logical.
He pointed out that the recent appraisal had identified the loss of a number of historic shop features such as windows, doors and frontages which were proving detrimental to the character and appearance of the existing conservation area.
But it would prove to be "extremely difficult" to enforce reinstatement of these on all such properties affected.

Mr Kimber said: "During the the review process it was felt that the current boundary should be extended to promote the historic development of the town and to highlight its varied industrial heritage.
"Buildings of significant historic or townscape importance should be encouraged to retain or replace original features where possible."
Lack of property maintenance was evident along Elliot Street which was a "major problem" and detrimental to its appearance.
The promotion of active maintenance and repair needs to be encouraged, he said.
Vacant properties which are falling into disrepair are another urgent problem which needs addressing and, if not secure, should become the subject of enforcement action to make them so.

But Constable Vets practice manager Dennis Owen, whose premises are in Elliot Street, accused Metro officers of viewing Tyldesley town centre through "rose tinted glasses" in finding areas worthy of an expansion of the conservation area.
He wants to see the zone abandoned - not extended.

He said: "Over the past 19 years the Conservation Area has done nothing to improve Tyldesley. A few lamp posts are welcome but go unnoticed with all the advertising signs.
"We must be realistic about Tyldesley and the additional costs to businesses and residents in an area not renowned to be awash with cash can't be justified just to preserve a non existent ideal.
"I hope not to see a decline in Tyldesley because of the extended conservation area but unfortunately the cost of improvements to properties may well have an effect on their decline.

He added that the high numbers of empty properties would be worse if new owners were required to do more expensive alterations to homes.
He added: "The whole exercise will just bring more costs and burearacy which will make Tyldesley an area to avoid."
Councillors agreed to approve the revised conservation area which will now go to the ruling cabinet for confirmation.