01/03/12 - Conservation AreasThe Council has a duty to preserve listed buildings and designated conservation areas.The County Borough possesses a wealth of heritage assets and conservation areas such as Conwy and Llandudno are not only designations of outstanding importance in UK terms they also generate significant money into the regional economy. A vital component in the attraction of these areas (and others) is their special and authentic surviving architectural and historic interest.
The Council has recently approved a conservation area management strategy that addresses issues such as the influx of modern or inappropriate alterations to designated historic buildings. Some historic commercial buildings have had PVCu windows and doors installed without consent. The results of these changes have diluted the special character of historic areas and damaged listed buildings. As a first step the Council is in the process of notifying owners/occupiers of such buildings, and areas, of the implications of the designations. The Council will also be undertaking systematic surveys of conservation areas to assess the nature and extent of the introduction of inappropriate alterations. The Council has also won several appeals in the last two years that reflect support for the Council's stance in resisting the installation of modern and insensitive windows and doors etc in historic areas and buildings. The Council is keen to establish a clear indication of the special requirements that accompany designations.
Properties that are commercial, namely those in use as flats, apartments or in mixed-use, for instance shops and offices/flats must apply for planning permission, or if applicable, Listed Building Consent for installing modern and PVCu windows if these differ from the previous features. Many owners have not been checking with the planning authority prior to carrying out works.
The situation regarding future enforcement action against historic properties that have been the subject of unauthorised changes will be considered individually on the circumstances of the particular case. In the case of listed buildings, the character established by authentic historic fabric and features is of particular and protected importance. Unauthorised changes represent a criminal offence and there is no immunity period in respect of enforcement.
The Council has approved the approach contained in the strategy in order to minimise further harm occurring within historic areas/buildings. The approach will involve engaging with local stakeholders and owners. If strategic action is not implemented the end result will be the review of many conservation areas and this could then result in de-designations, which would place the unique character and attractiveness of our heritage assets under threat.
http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=142&doc=30826&Language=1&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
