Issue - meetings

Purpose of the report

In accordance with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Council was required to review its Conservation Areas from time to time and to prepare and publish any proposals for the preservation and enhancement of any parts of the District designated as Conservation Areas. This report sought approval to carry out a consultation on the proposed Ropsley Conservation Area boundary amendment and the draft updated Conservation Area Appraisal.

Decision

That Cabinet:

1. Approve consultation of the change of boundary of the Ropsley Conservation Area as shown in Appendix A to this report.

2. Approve publication of the Ropsley Conservation Area Appraisal (Appendix A) for consultation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

An alternative option would have been not to expand the Conservation Area; however, this may have resulted in a failure to preserve or enhance the historic interest and character of the village and the conservation area as identified in the appraisal. Conservation Areas were defined as “designated” heritage assets in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for the purposes of local plan making and development management. Designated heritage assets were afforded considerably more protection both in planning policy but also in legislation than non-designated heritage assets.

Reasons for the decision

Section 69(2) of the 1990 Act required local planning authorities (LPAs) to determine which parts of their area possessed special architectural or historic interest and to designate them as conservation areas.

There were 48 conservation areas across South Kesteven, each of which provided a link to the past and a sense of continuity. It was important to review these areas periodically.

As the provision of a Conservation Area Appraisal was a requirement as noted in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the decision to approve the publication of the draft appraisal for consultation was taken. The adoption of the Appraisal and Management Plan would allow for the positive management of development whilst safeguarding historic character and appearance.

It was acknowledged that historically, Conservation Area boundaries had often been drawn too tightly, omitting areas now considered of special interest, especially green spaces and open space, boundary treatment or smaller outbuildings. The appraisal and proposed extension had taken this into account, considering not just the built heritage, but also the wider streetscape and the impact open space has on the appreciation of the village. Light changes to these boundaries would become material planning changes.

The detailed work carried out by the Council’s Conservation Officers was highlighted, and they were thanked for this.