Issue - meetings

Officers presented the report and requested Members to endorse the commencement of a programme of public consultation on draft conservation area character appraisals.

It was highlighted to Members that Government advice expressed that it was good practice for local planning authorities to adopt and publish up to date conservation area character appraisals to:

·        define the special architectural or historic interest that warrants their designation. 

·        Assist in the management of conservation areas.

·        Useful in the enforcement and development control function.

This was now the subject of a best value performance indicator, BV219, against which the Council’s performance was to be measured.

The Borough currently had 28 conservation areas and the programme of publishing draft character appraisals would start on the 9 conservation areas in Tottenham, followed by consultation on character appraisals for Muswell Hill and Crouch End conservation areas.   Members were requested to approve the programme of consultation with a view to future adoption.

Members raised concern that consersation areas were currently being ruined by the demand and installation of cross-overs.  Few houses were protected by the 1 metre high front garden wall rule.  Members requested that as part of the conservation area character appraisals and boundary reviews that the introduction of article 4 directions be included.

RESOLVED

That members agreed to the recommendation in the report.