Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Head of Planning, Regeneration and Development.

The Principal Heritage Officer presented the report on the Draft Upper Deal Conservation Area Character Appraisal.

The Deal Society had prepared a draft conservation area character appraisal for the Upper Deal Conservation Area and it was proposed that a formal public consultation be undertaken on the draft document for a period of 6 weeks.

The appraisal had considered the following matters:

·         The origins and growth of the area under consideration;

·         Reviewed the existing boundary of the conservation area;

·         Highlighted both positive and negative aspects of its character; and

·         Made recommendations for its future enhancement.

Members discussed the impact of Article 4 directions on current and future developments in the conservation area given the mixed state of buildings in the area. In response it was stated that the Article 4 powers could not force works to be undertaken but instead allowed for better control of future works (for example, the replacement of double glazed windows at time of renewal with more appropriate windows).

In response to a question on consultation methods, it was stated that consultation responses could be submitted on-line, via telephone or email and notices promoting the consultation would be displayed in key areas.

RESOLVED:     That it be recommended that the report be approved as set out in Appendix 1 for 6 weeks of public consultation of the draft Upper Deal Conservation Area Character Appraisal and that the Head of Planning, Regeneration and Development be authorised to make any necessary editorial changes to the appraisal to assist with clarity, consistency, explanation and presentation, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Regeneration and Development.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services

It was agreed:

(a) That a 6-week period of public consultation be carried out on the draft Upper Deal Conservation Area Character Appraisal, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

(b) That Officers be charged with undertaking a review of current policy and practice towards changes to unlisted buildings in conservation areas, covering issues such as the implementation and purpose of Article 4 directions, and to report back to a future meeting of Cabinet.

(c) That the Head of Planning, Regeneration and Development be authorised to make any necessary editorial changes to the appraisal to assist with clarity, consistency, explanation and presentation, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.