Agenda item

Matter for Decision:  

The City Council has an obligation under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to periodically review its Conservation Area designations and boundaries, to consider any new areas, and under Section 71 of the Act to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of these areas.

Brooklands Avenue

Earlier this year, the Council appointed consultants who have drafted an Appraisal of the Brooklands Avenue Conservation Area. The consultants propose an extension to the boundary of the Conservation Area at the same time. This draft Appraisal provides an up to date assessment of the ways that the Brooklands Avenue area meets current national criteria in terms of special architectural and historic interest for Conservation Area designation, and in addition concludes that sections currently outside the existing boundary are also worthy of inclusion.

A period of public consultation was held between 2nd April and 30th April 2013. The broad consensus of opinion was in favour of the proposals as outlined in the draft Appraisal.

Southacre Conservation Area

In 2013, consultants drafted an Appraisal of the Southacre Conservation Area. The Southacre Conservation Area was designated in 1998. This draft Appraisal provides evidence to illustrate that the Southacre Conservation Area still meets current national criteria in terms of special architectural and historic interest for Conservation Area designation.

A period of public consultation was held between 2nd and 30th April 2013. There have only been 3 responses to the consultation, possibly because there are no proposals to alter the boundary. These responses have been summarised in Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report.

Newnham Croft Conservation Area

In 2013, consultants drafted an Appraisal of the Newnham Croft Conservation Area. The Newnham Croft Conservation Area was designated in 1998. This draft Appraisal provides evidence to illustrate that the Newnham Croft Conservation Area still meets current national criteria in terms of special architectural and historic interest for Conservation Area designation.

A period of public consultation was held between 2nd and 30th April 2013. There have only been 2 responses to the consultation, possibly because there are no proposals to alter the boundary. These responses have been summarised in Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate Change:

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

       i.          Approve the Appraisal of the Brooklands Avenue Conservation Area which was attached as an Appendix to the Officer’s report and to agree the revised Conservation Area boundary.

     ii.          Agree the draft Appraisal of the Southacre Conservation Area which was attached as Appendix to the Officer’s report.

   iii.          Agree the draft Appraisal of the Newnham Croft Conservation Area which was attached as an Appendix to the Officer’s report.

Reason for the Decision:

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

Not applicable as pre scrutiny was not requested.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.