Consideration of Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses for Conservation Area
Consultation has concluded
Introduction
The Council commissioned independent heritage experts Purcell to undertake a review of all of the Borough’s existing Conservation Areas, including considering the potential for new Conservation Areas designations.
A potential new Conservation Area has been identified at Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses, and the draft report and accompanying plan, subject of this consultation, set out the area that is being considered, and why. This is the first stage in the public consultation process, no decisions have yet been made as to whether the Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses will be formally designated as a Conservation Area and we are seeking your views on this.
The proposed Conservation Area is depicted by the blue line in the accompanying indicative boundary plan, and we would welcome your comments on this. The initial report also considers the merits of the neighbouring semi-detached properties, although not included within the indicative boundary, these are depicted by the orange line on the accompanying plan and we invite comment on these too.
What is a Conservation Area?
Conservation Areas have special value for the community, they are visible links with our past and offer attractive contrasts to modern environments, and so it is important the special character of these areas is protected and sympathetic enhancements encouraged.
Conservation Areas can be created where a local planning authority identifies an area of special architectural or historic interest that deserves careful management to protect that character. Most local authorities have conservation areas within their boundaries; Southend currently has 15 Conservation Areas.
Local residents, businesses, property owners within a Conservation Area may need to obtain planning permission from the Council before making alterations to their property.
Article 4 Directions can be made in Conservation Areas to protect particular features in the area from being lost. An Article 4 direction is used to remove permitted development rights, and examples of other Article 4 Directions in the Borough include the need to obtain planning permission to change windows and doors, as well as to render a property, install a hardstanding, or make changes to a front boundary.
Trees within Conservation Areas are also protected, requiring the Council to be notified six weeks in advance of any works being proposed. This gives the Council time to assess the contribution the tree makes to the character of the Conservation Area and if that proposed works warm harm this.
Demolition or substantial demolition of a building within a Conservation Area will usually require planning permission to be obtained from the Council.
Prior to designating a Conservation Area the Council carries out a Conservation Area Appraisal, including a management plan, which considers the Conservation Area and its boundaries in order to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of the area. This would be the next stage in the process of considering Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses as Conservation Area, taking into account feedback received during this initial consultation. The initial report and indicative boundary plan that are now being consulted on do not represent a formal Conservation Area Appraisal for the Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses at this stage.
We would advise you to read the accompanying documents below before completing the survey
- Almshouses Chelmsford Avenue - Potential Conservation Area initial report
- Almshouses Chelmsford Avenue Indicative Boundary Plan
Please email planningpolicy@southend.gov.uk
- If you have any questions about this consultation;
- If you need any assistance in completing the survey;
- If you would like to receive an alternative version of the survey, e.g. paper, or to feedback in another way;
- If you need assistance translating this page into another language;
- If you have any further supporting evidence you like to send us.
The closing date for responses to this consultation is **5pm 8th July 2022**.
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