Residents living in the Queen’s Park conservation area are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce stricter planning controls to preserve the unique character of properties in the area.
We are carrying out a final consultation following feedback from the residents who took part in an informal consultation earlier this year.
This statutory formal consultation will give residents a further opportunity to comment on the council’s proposed planning restrictions.
Responding to resident concerns
The proposals have been drawn up in response to resident concerns identified in the Queen’s Park Conservation Area Statement.
The document, which was adopted by the council in September 2018, highlights how the loss of architectural details on the front of properties has a detrimental effect on the character and appearance of the conservation area.
They include the changing traditional sash windows to uPVC, installing inappropriate timber windows, modern doors, railings and gates, the loss of front boundary walls and the painting of previously unpainted brick features.
The Conservation Area Statement recommended that planning controls should be drawn up (known as an Article 4 Direction), to stop these changes when they affect the front of houses.
Article 4 Directions restrict the minor work and alterations that can normally be carried out without planning permission within a particular conservation area.
In Queens Park, the proposed Article 4 Direction would apply to all houses within the conservation area, including small HMOs.
Flats and commercial properties already have stricter planning controls.
Any work carried out on properties before the introduction of the Article 4 direction would remain in place and the council cannot take retrospective enforcement action.
Unique character
Councillor Leo Littman, chair of planning, said: “Queen’s Park conservation area has its own unique character which is reflected in the architecture.
“We want to ensure that this character is maintained and that attractive and historic features of buildings are preserved, while balancing the wishes of residents wanting to improve their properties.
“We are encouraging residents to take part in this final consultation, and help us to shape future planning controls.”
To find out more and have your say, go to our online Queen’s Park Conservation Area Article 4 Direction Consultation survey.
The consultation closes on 4 December.