Decision Details

Implemented

Extensions to existing North Lowestoft Conservation Area and Proposed adoption of the North Lowestoft Conservation Area Appraisal

ES/0771

Yes

Committee

Cabinet

Tue 1 Jun 2021

Yes

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning and Coastal Management

To seek the adoption of the North Lowestoft Conservation Area Appraisal with boundary changes as a Supplementary Planning Document; and to consider extensions to the Conservation Area

Planning & Coastal Management

Not Applicable

Elizabeth Martin 

Equality Impact Assessment

No

1. That the North Lowestoft Conservation Area Appraisal Supplementary Planning Document, attached at Appendix A of report ES/0771, be adopted.

 

2.That  the extension of the North Lowestoft Conservation Area as shown on the map attached at Appendix B of report ES/0771 and including those properties and land included in the schedule attached at Appendix G of report ES/0771 be agreed.

 

3. That the Head of Planning and Coastal Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning and Coastal Management, be authorised to make any presentational or typographical amendments to the North Lowestoft Conservation Area Appraisal Supplementary Planning Document prior to it being published.

1. Under section 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 East Suffolk Council has a statutory duty to draw up and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas in its district from time to time.

 

2. The document will assist in delivery of the Strategic Plan 2020-2024, by supporting delivery of T01 Growing Our Economy of the Strategic Plan, priority of P03. “Protection and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment.” The secondarily support the delivery of priority P01 Build the right Environment for East Suffolk, as it serves to support the policies in the “Up to date local plans proving a strategy for growth and place making.”

 

3. The document supports the implementation of the Policy WLP8.39 – Conservation Areas in the Waveney Local Plan by providing “relevant Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans”.

 

4. Officers had judged that the public consultation exercise undertaken had demonstrated that, amongst those who responded that there is a majority in support of the proposals.

 

5. Officers judged the proposed extensions, which covers properties and land, were required as these areas have been assessed as part of a boundary review and found them to be of a quality equal to that within the existing boundary. Their character contributes positively to the existing conservation area which the preservation or enhancement of as part of the conservation area would be desirable. The omission of a small area of land, believed to be a mapping error is desirable as it fails to contrite to the Conservation Area to a level which requires its inclusion. Removal will allow the Conservation Area boundary to be logical and concise.

An alternative option would have been to not adopt the Supplementary Planning Document and continue to use the existing North Lowestoft Conservation Area Appraisal dated March 2007.  However, this would have been a missed opportunity to provide updated and relevant information on the area that will take account of changed national guidance, the adoption of the Waveney Local Plan and changed circumstances on the ground.

Councillor David Ritchie declared a Local Non-Pecuniary Interest in the item as he owned a listed building and owned a property in the Wissett Conservation Area.

 

Councillor Craig Rivett declared a Local Non-Pecuniary Interest as Chairman of the North Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone.

None.