Decision details

The Cabinet had before it a *report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration requesting approval of the Draft Cullompton Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) to be published for public consultation.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the existing Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) for Cullompton dated from 2009. A review was needed to the document to take account of changes in the conservation area in the last 11 years; to be up to date and relevant for the High Street Heritage Action Zone; and to work in concert with the Cullompton Town Centre Masterplan that was currently being prepared, and the emerging Cullompton Neighbourhood Plan. The Council had a statutory duty to designate, amend, and formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas in the district.

 

A review had been undertaken and a consultation draft Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan had been prepared. This had followed a format that was recommended by Historic England.

 

Part 1 was a character assessment, which sought to define the special interests of the conservation area and identify the issues that threaten the special qualities of the area. In Cullompton, the conservation area was divided into 6 character areas. From this assessment, amendments were proposed to the extent of the conservation area; the visually important open spaces; and, unlisted important buildings both in and adjoining the conservation area.

 

Part 2 contained the management proposals. This has built on the negative features that were identified in Part 1. 28 management plan principles for improvement and change were included. These provided an agenda and framework for discussion and change to enhance the conservation area, and were both site specific and across the conservation area.

 

Approval was being sought for the consultation draft Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan to be published for a 6 week consultation, which would commence as soon as practicable, and would coincide with the consultation on the Cullompton Town Centre Masterplan and the District Wide Design of Shopfronts and Associated Advertisements Supplementary Planning Document. The consultation would be in accordance with the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement and would include one statutory public meeting (taking into account prevailing Covid restrictions).

 

The Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan would be finalised to include any amendments that were necessary following the consultation and will then be reported to a future meeting of the Cabinet with a recommendation to the Council that it be formally adopted.

 

The Planning Policy Advisory Group considered the consultation draft Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan at its meeting on the 18^th March 2021. The meeting identified changes and corrections needed to the document before it was published for consultation, and were included as follows

 

Page 3:

Insert new Appendix 1: Important Unlisted Buildings

 

Change existing Appendix 1 and 2 to 2 and 3.

Page 8:

Section 2.2 - 3^rd Paragraph

Omit the words “The next stages will be that”.

Capitalise T of The Planning Policy Advisory Group….

 

Page 75:

Additions line 1: Sentence to start saying “Higher Mill and Mill House, Higher Mill Lane”

Omit additions line 13. Renumber line 14 to 13 and renumber remaining additions and deletions.

 

Page 79:

11.5.2 second paragraph omit “and promote walking”

 

Page 84:

For management plan principle 15. Join text to be one paragraph

 

Page 84

Insert a line space between Management Plan Principles 16 and 17.

 

Page 91

Add new Appendix 1

 

Appendix 1

Important Unlisted Buildings

 

An important unlisted building ’is a building, structure or feature which, whilst not listed by the Secretary of State for its national importance, is felt by the council to be of local importance due to its architectural, historical or environmental significance

 

Buildings, or groups of buildings, are considered to be locally important in recognition of their value as irreplaceable historic assets which contribute to the quality of the local environment by enhancing the street scene and sustaining a sense of distinctiveness.

 

The purpose of identifying buildings is to ensure that care is taken over decisions affecting the future of these buildings, and that their special status is taken fully into account. Whilst there are no additional controls, owners are encouraged to undertake external alterations in such a way as to respect the particular character and interest of the building, and should use appropriate materials and retain any features of architectural or historic interest.

 

It is not necessary to apply for Listed Building Consent. The usual planning controls apply, but the special interest of these buildings will be a consideration when deciding planning applications.

 

Some works may not require planning permission but should still be carefully considered. The removal of historic features or details can not only harm the special interest of the locally listed building but can also adversely affect its value. Research has shown that buildings which retain their historic features in good order hold their value better than those which have been unsympathetically altered.

 

Page 91

 

Change Appendix 1 to Appendix 2

 

Page 93

 

Change Appendix 2 to Appendix 3

 

He had also been requested by a local Ward Member to amend the wording of recommendation 2 to consider engagement with local landowners, the Town Council, the Leat Board and the Environment Agency, along with other interested parties to consider the long term management of the town leat.

 

Consideration was given to the period of consultation and that any details of the consultation should be forwarded to all Members for promotion within their media outlets due to their contacts including with local parish councils.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1. The draft Cullompton Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan (Appendix 1 to this report), including proposed alterations to the extent of the Cullompton Conservation Area made through Section 69(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended), be approved for public consultation.

2. That delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration to finalise the material and arrangements for consultation, including making further updates to:

i)    Include an additional Management Principle 29 ‘That the Council engage with the Land Owners, the Town Council, the Leat Board, the Environment Agency, and other interests parties to consider the long term management of the historic Cullompton Town Leat to ensure that it is managed as a functioning watercourse to maintain and enhance its historic interests in balance with its wildlife interests’.

ii)    Reflect matters discussed by the Planning Policy Advisory Group.

 

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr B A Moore)

 

Reason for the decision - There is a statutory requirement for the Council as Local Planning Authority to review its conservation areas from time to time. A review of the Cullompton Conservation area assessment and management plan has been agreed as part of the in kind match funding for the High Street HAZ.

 

Note: *Report previously circulated and attached to the minutes