Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Place) on the Welwyn Village Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan.

Report of the Executive Director (Place) on the Welwyn Village Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan.

Under national planning policy and advice by Historic England, Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are required to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas. LPAs should also consult the public and take account of views expressed.

A review of the Welwyn Village Conservation Area has taken place. The review has been undertaken by the Council’s heritage consultant, Essex Place Services. The appraisal identifies potential changes to remove areas where designation may no longer be justified.

The appraisal suggests several potential boundary changes to remove modern development from the existing conservation area designation. Views on these proposed changes will be posed as consultation questions. The results will be presented to Council prior to any revision being made.

The following points were raised and discussed:

• Officers said this is an early stage of conservation area appraisal and management plan. The council have a statutory duty to keep on top of this and it is important to hold up to date information. Officers are at this meeting so they can start the ball rolling on the consultation. Officers want to engage with the Parish Council.
• Officers said the potential of the boundary change will be presented as a question as they genuinely want to hear what residents think. Having an up-to-date appraisal and management plan helps with the determination of planning applications. It was confirmed that one of the key stakeholders would be the Parish Council.
• Members said conservation areas reduce the ability to have planning applications for buildings. This consultation therefore does open up the ability for development to help get us back on track for the five-year housing supply.
• Officers said we have a duty to provide homes but also a duty to protect the character and historical significance of the borough. After consultation they will come back to CPPP before any decisions are made.
• Members asked if Section 106 money will be available to provide increased amenities if there are more homes. Officers said this is not something that is captured under this specific consultation. There will be a requirement for developments to meet their infrastructure needs such as through section 106 monies. This consultation is mainly about the historical aspect at this stage.
• Members asked if the proposed 6 weeks consultation is long enough. Officers have a document called The Statement of Community Involvement which sets out how they consult in relation to planning applications and in relation to local plan and development plan aspects. Officers want to engage with the Parish Council so they can work with them on any publication they may be making. Officers will be writing to residents and businesses within the consultation areas, as well as local stakeholders.
• Members noted that all areas proposed for removal are predominantly where there have been housing developments. Bearing this in mind, does this mean the conservation area has failed to protect those areas. Officers said there would have been circumstances why these were approved and schemes are looked at on their own merits.
• Members asked about sustainable development presumption and how these would be seen if anything came to DMC in the area. Officers said a number of factors are in play when considering applications, including weight attributed to a development within a conservation area. They will have to consider that there isn’t a five-year land supply. Being in a conservation area doesn’t stop a development from happening but helps ensure it is in character.
• Officers advised the consultant’s report was received in August. Members said it mentions the Rose and Crown Public House being in a state of deterioration, as well as the stables behind. Members advised this has now been extensively renovated, so may get some comments from residents when goes out to consultation. Officers thanked members for this information and noted there has been a long lead in time.

RESOLVED:

(13 voting FOR - UNANIMOUS)

(1)    “That the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel (CPPP) recommend to Cabinet that the Draft Welwyn Village Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan undergo public consultation for a period of six weeks.”