Landscape and landmarks made famous by Suffolk artist John Constable have been given enhanced protection for the first time.

Two of the most important features of the painter’s work, Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s Cottage – the latter depicted in The Hay Wain – had until now not been included in a Constable Heartland conservation area.

Babergh District Council said it unanimously agreed to extend the boundary for the first time in more than 50 years to reflect the “true significance” of the village of East Bergholt and its surroundings.

“Expanding the conservation area ensures that these sites are protected, enabling future generations to continue experiencing them just as Constable himself did all those years ago,” said Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure.

Born in East Bergholt in 1776, Constable immortalised his home village and surrounding Stour Valley in paintings recognised around the world.

Many of the landscapes he captured can still be experienced today, making it one of the most culturally significant areas for miles around.

As a result, Flatford alone attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year, with this tourism being an important part of the village and its local economy, the council said.

Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s Cottage both sit beside the River Stour in Flatford and were acquired by the National Trust in the 1940s.

The cottage had been renamed in the 1920s to honour the tenant farmer who had called it his home during Constable’s time.

The expanded conservation area encompasses land around Flatford and stretches north to include parts of East Bergholt.

It replaces boundaries first designated in 1968 and marginally extended in 1975 and would guide future planning decisions and the “sensitive management of change”, the local authority added.

It comes during celebrations commemorating 250 years since Constable’s birth, and coincides with The Hay Wain being exhibited in Suffolk for the first time.

The Hay Wain cottage gets ‘Constable Heartland’ status – BBC News