08 November 2006
New measures to protect Conservation Area
Wealden District Council is taking action to help preserve the historic character of Rotherfield, after concerns raised by residents.
“Over recent years, people have noticed that relatively small changes to buildings within their Conservation Area were undermining its historic character,” said local member Councillor David Logan.
“Alterations such as a badly designed porch or the installation of plastic windows in place of traditional timber joinery, can have a dramatic effect on this pleasant part of the village.”
Working closely with Rotherfield Parish Council, following extensive consultations led by the Parish Council, Wealden introduced an Article 4(2) direction in May to cover the village conservation area for a six month trial period.
“Planning regulations allow a considerable level of minor alteration without the need to submit a planning application,” explains Councillor Keith Whitehead, Cabinet member for Planning and Regeneration.
“The most effective way to ensure that a Conservation Area is not adversely affected by small yet damaging changes is through the introduction of an Article 4(2) Direction. This effectively means that most alterations to homes within the Conservation Area now require the prior submission of a planning application.
“It is not intended to prevent development but rather to ensure that development respects the character and appearance of the Rotherfield Conservation Area.”
Planning officers will now be in a position to ensure that local consultation on applications will take place, and involve the Parish Council in such consultations.
Building work affected includes:
· Enlargements, improvements or alterations such as extensions, conservatories, replacement doors and windows.
· Alteration to roofs including replacement roof coverings, insertion of roof lights and solar panels.
· Building a porch.
· Erecting sheds and summerhouses etc.
· Building a hard standing.
· Installing a satellite antenna.
· Removing, building and altering chimneys.
· Removing or building walls, gates, fences or other means of enclosure.
· Exterior painting of either previously unpainted surfaces or resulting in a change of colour.
The Direction applies to all houses within the Conservation Area, including listed buildings, which face or front a street, river, watercourse or public space. Planning permission is now needed for any such work carried out since May 19 2006.
During the extensive public consultation carried out by the Parish and District Councils; letters, explanatory leaflets and questionnaires have been sent to all residents in the Conservation Area. Households within the Conservation Area were asked their views on whether or not they supported the additional planning controls.
The response was good and overall there was clear support among the local community for the introduction of additional planning controls which could help to protect the special character of the area.
Traffic issues were a concern to several residents but largely fall outside the scope of direct planning control. These are dealt with by the Highways Department at East Sussex County Council who have been advised of the views expressed.
