Minutes:
Members received a presentation given by Gillian Bayliss – Senior Conservation Officer, on the consultation of the Conservation Area Character Appraisals for Caverswall, Cheddleton, Stanley and Upper Tean (and review boundaries). Public Consultation was also planned on the proposed Article 4 Direction for each area.
The presentation covered the following topics:-
- Introduction
- Appraisal Documents
- Cheddleton Conservation Area and proposed boundary extension
- Caverswall Conservation Area
- Upper Tean Conservation Area
- Stanley Conservation Area
- Proposed Article 4 Direction
- Next Steps
The pictures within the slides demonstrated the distinctive features and buildings in each village which should be preserved to enhance the appearance of the conservation areas. Members were advised that some maps and photos required updating.
Article 4 Directions had already been introduced in Leek, Oakamoor, Rudyard and Cheadle. It was proposed to extend across all Conservation Areas so that planning rules were the same for all.
Permitted Development Rights caused an issue in conservation areas as incremental changes made to properties could dilute the character of buildings significantly.
The introduction of Article 4 Directions would limit the alterations that could be made without planning permission to houses which fronted highways, waterways or open spaces. Changes to windows, doors, demolition of chimneys and front boundary walls, construction of porches and changes to roof materials would also be included.
Due to some significant detrimental changes made to properties, a member commented how pleased she was when the Article 4 Direction was introduced in her ward. Other members agreed with the importance of the areas’ heritage being safeguarded.
In response to a query around penalties and concern about the level of resource to carry out enforcement , the Officer explained that the Council was able to serve a Planning Enforcement Notice if a breach to the regulations had been identified which could be evidenced. It was hoped that increased regulation would assist with officers’ workload.
A member of the Panel highlighted the difficulties around the poor energy performance of some of the older properties and that affordability to improve the properties retrospectively could be an issue for some residents. To support the concept, a suggestion was made for signage to be placed in the areas protected by an Article 4 Direction. To keep cost to a minimum there were alternative methods available to improve the thermal efficiency of buildings and Officers could discuss solutions and options with homeowners.
Discussion took place in relation to the level of building works being carried out in Upper Tean, conservation of retail premises, consultation with parish councils, a local heritage register and the poor state of repair of the Royal Oak pub in Cheadle.
Hollington was included in a shortlist of possible conservation area status villages and would be reviewed upon completion of the Character Appraisals detailed in the presentation.
Oakamoor had a detailed Character Appraisal following the introduction of the Article 4, a detailed guidance note would be produced on how sympathetic changes could be made to properties in the village.
DECIDED:
1) That the presentation be noted.
2) For Members to provide informal feedback on the working drafts of the Conservation Area Character Appraisals for Caverswall, Cheddleton, Stanley and Upper Tean by 19th July 2021.