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Adopted Plan Deposit Draft

Policy

HB9 Controlling demolition in conservation areas.

(HB9)

HB10 Advertisements in conservation areas.

(HB10)

HB11 Relocation of uses to secure environmental benefit.

(HB11)

HB12 Positive action within conservation areas.

(HB12)

HB13 Protecting ancient monuments.

(HB13)

HB14 Ensuring archaeological remains are not destroyed.

(HB14)

HB15 Positive action to learn from archaeological remains.

(HB15)

Proposal:

2.2.1 The Government's long-standing policy has been to preserve our architectural heritage to which Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas make such an important contribution. If steps are not taken to protect buildings of value to our heritage, either in their own right or because of the contribution they make to a pleasant townscape or village scene, they may well be lost forever. Nevertheless our architectural heritage has to accommodate not only change of use but also new building nearby. A sustainable approach is required in the conservation of historic buildings and their town or village settings and this requires both control and positive action through maintenance and enhancement.

Protecting the history and architecture of Mid Suffolk's past.

2.2.2 The country's rich heritage of historic towns and villages and great houses supports a tourism industry that brings money into the local economy. Historic buildings and sites are valued by the public as attractive features and as 'living history', providing an element of continuity while many other aspects of life are rapidly changing. Economic growth within Suffolk has brought pressure for development which sometimes conflicts with conserving the architectural heritage. Increasing prosperity also brings environmental advantages as money becomes available for restoring historic properties and alternative uses for buildings can be more readily found.

The value that is placed on the heritage of our surroundings.

2.2.3 The Heritage and Listed Building objectives of the Local Plan are:-

- to maintain or enhance the quality of Mid Suffolk's heritage, particularly through safeguarding its Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

- to protect ancient monuments and their settings

- to give protection to parks and gardens of historic or landscape importance

- to control change in ways that will protect the character of towns and villages and their settings

- to give protection to archaeological sites and to ensure they are properly investigated and recorded if such sites are disturbed by development.

Listed Buildings

2.2.4 Buildings of particular architectural or historic interest are listed by the Secretary of State for National Heritage and given special protection. Separate consent from the District Planning Authority is required for the demolition of the whole or part of any listed building, or any alteration which would alter its character. The Secretaries of State for the Environment and National Heritage would not expect consent to be given for the total or substantial demolition of any listed building without convincing evidence that real efforts have been made to sustain existing uses or find viable new uses, or clear evidence that redevelopment would produce substantial planning benefits for the community which would decisively outweigh the loss resulting from demolition. Town planning legislation requires local authorities to have special regard to the desirability of preserving a listed building or its setting when considering applications that affect them. The setting of a building is often an essential feature of its character, especially if a garden or grounds have been laid out as an original part of the design of a listed property.

Protecting Listed Buildings and their settings.

2.2.5 Consent is required for the removal of fittings and fixtures forming part of the fabric of a listed building. Minor adaptations to a listed building to meet the changing needs of the occupier may be acceptable. However, alterations or additions should be kept to a minimum and their appearance should be in keeping with other parts of the building; the replacement of existing thatch with alternative materials will be resisted. New external or internal features should harmonise with their surroundings, special care should be taken with timber framed buildings which are of particular importance within the Mid Suffolk Local Plan area.

Respecting the original appearance of the building.

2.2.6 Listed buildings are banded in grades to show their relative importance, namely:-

Grade I - buildings of exceptional national interest, nationally about 2 per cent of all listed buildings;

Grade II* - particularly important buildings of more than special interest nationally, about 4 per cent of the total nationally;

Grade II - buildings that are part of the local heritage and warrant every effort being made to preserve them.

2.2.7 There are more than 4,900 listed buildings in Mid Suffolk, including 87 Grade I buildings (1.8 per cent) and 192 Grade II* buildings (3.9 per cent). The District Planning Authority looks to safeguard and enhance these listed buildings and their settings by using available statutory powers, by offering advice to owners and by grant-aid for works of repair.

PROTECTION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS

POLICY HB1

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY PLACES A HIGH PRIORITY ON PROTECTING THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF ALL BUILDINGS OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST. PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE GIVEN TO PROTECTING THE SETTINGS OF LISTED BUILDINGS.

An indication of the quality of Mid Suffolk's historic buildings.

DEMOLITION OF LISTED BUILDINGS

POLICY HB2

PROPOSALS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF LISTED BUILDINGS, OR THE REMOVAL FROM THEIR CURTILAGES OF FEATURES OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST, WILL BE REFUSED. IN THOSE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY IS SATISFIED THAT EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CONTINUE THE PRESENT USE, OR FIND SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE USES AND DEMOLITION IS UNAVOIDABLE CONSENT FOR DEMOLITION OF THE WHOLE OR PART OF A LISTED BUILDING WILL NOT BE GRANTED UNTIL PLANS FOR REDEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN APPROVED.

CONVERSIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS

POLICY HB3

PROPOSALS FOR THE CONVERSION OF, OR ALTERATION TO, LISTED BUILDINGS OR OTHER BUILDINGS OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET HIGH STANDARDS OF DESIGN, DETAILING, MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION. LISTED BUILDING CONSENT WILL BE GRANTED IF THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY IS SATISFIED THAT:-

- THE PROPOSAL WOULD NOT DETRACT FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE EXISTING BUILDING OR ITS SETTING;

- AND, IN THE CASE OF A TIMBER FRAMED BUILDING, THE STRUCTURE OF THE FRAME INCLUDING ITS INFILL MATERIAL REMAINS LARGELY UNALTERED.

EXTENSIONS TO LISTED BUILDINGS

POLICY HB4

LISTED BUILDING CONSENT WILL BE GRANTED FOR THE EXTENSION OF LISTED BUILDINGS IF THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY IS SATISFIED THAT:-

- THE PROPOSED EXTENSION WILL NOT DOMINATE THE ORIGINAL BUILDING BY VIRTUE OF ITS SITING, SIZE, SCALE OR MATERIALS;

- THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT DETRACT FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC CHARACTER BOTH EXTERNALLY AND INTERNALLY FOR WHICH THE BUILDING IS LISTED.

Please see notes overleaf.

2.2.8 New Uses for Historic Buildings -The best use for an historic building is the use for which it was designed and wherever possible this original use, particularly if it is a residential use, should continue. In considering whether an alternative use is appropriate, the District Planning Authority will give particular attention to the architectural and historic features of the building and decide whether the new use will preserve them. In many instances this can be achieved only if an applicant is asked to produce plans showing the alterations to the building needed to accommodate its new use. The greatest problems arise when large buildings such as mills and maltings, built for needs which have ceased to exist, become vacant. Changing patterns of farming and rural life also mean that new uses need to be found for barns, stables and coach-houses. These buildings play an important part in the history and appearance of the countryside. If these buildings are used as workshops, tourism facilities, craft studios or as holiday accommodation, they can make a contribution to the rural economy by providing employment.

Finding appropriate uses for redundant historic buildings.

2.2.9 Churches - There are a considerable number of outstanding churches in Mid Suffolk with 71 classified as Grade I listed buildings. These buildings, often surrounded by mature trees, form an important part of the landscape or the setting of villages. Where historic churches have been declared redundant by the Church Commissioners, it is important to find alternative uses for them to be retained as part of their surroundings. The District Planning Authority will support alternative uses for redundant churches which preserve the building and its setting. Redundant churches pose a sensitive problem as there are many people who believe that a once-consecrated building should not be used for purposes which they regard as incompatible with years of worship.

Preserving the heritage of Mid Suffolk's churches.

PRESERVING HISTORIC BUILDINGS THROUGH ALTERNATIVE USES

POLICY HB5

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SUPPORT THE USE OF BUILDINGS OF ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST IN A MANNER COMPATIBLE WITH THEIR CHARACTER AND SETTING.

THE CHANGE OF USE OF LISTED BUILDINGS OR OTHER BUILDINGS OF HISTORIC OR ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST WILL BE APPROVED IF THE PROPOSED USE PRESERVES THE BUILDING AND ITS SETTING WITHOUT UNDUE ALTERATION.

CHANGES OF USE OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS SHOULD OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:-

- THE DESIGN OF ANY PROPOSED CONVERSION MUST RESPECT THE STRUCTURE, FORM, INTERNAL SPACES, AND MATERIALS OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING, EXISTING OPENINGS SHOULD BE UTILISED AND NEW OPENINGS KEPT TO A MINIMUM. IMPORTANT HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES SHOULD BE RETAINED;

- WHERE EXTENSIONS ARE CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROPOSED USE THEY SHOULD NOT DOMINATE THE ORIGINAL BUILDING BY VIRTUE OF THEIR SETTING, SCALE OR MATERIALS.

Buildings At Risk

2.2.10 Listed buildings may be at risk owing to neglect, damage, redundancy or simply a lack of awareness on the part of the owner as to the commitment needed to keep an historic building in good repair. The District Planning Authority keeps a register, which is open to public inspection, of listed buildings considered to be at risk. Planning legislation allows the District Planning Authority to rescue a building which has fallen into disrepair by carrying out basic repairs and charging the cost to the owner. If necessary a listed building can be brought under protection by compulsory purchase. Similar powers exist in respect of unlisted buildings in conservation areas.

Preventing historic buildings falling into disrepair.

SECURING THE REPAIR OF LISTED BUILDINGS

POLICY HB6

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL MAINTAIN A REGISTER OF BUILDINGS AT RISK. WHERE NECESSARY, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL USE ITS POWERS UNDER THE PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 TO SECURE THE REPAIR OF UNOCCUPIED AND OTHER LISTED BUILDINGS CONSIDERED TO BE AT RISK.

Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest

2.2.11 English Heritage advises the Government on the protection of historic buildings and their surroundings. As part of this work, they compile a National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. The register has no statutory force but draws attention to the heritage created by the work of successive generations of landscape gardeners. In Mid Suffolk there are two particularly important gardens included on the National Register :-

Parks and gardens to be safeguarded.

Shrubland Hall and Helmingham Hall

2.2.12 Both of these gardens and their surrounding parkland are included within Special Landscape Areas. There are other parks and gardens which are not on the register but which warrant special protection, namely Haughley Park, Redgrave Park, Stowlangtoft Park and Thornham Park. They are also within existing or proposed Special Landscape Areas and therefore protective policies will apply (Section 2.4: Countryside and the Rural Economy sets out policies for Special Landscape Areas).

PROTECTING GARDENS AND PARKLAND OF HISTORIC INTEREST

POLICY HB7

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL REFUSE DEVELOPMENT THAT WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE CHARACTER, APPEARANCE OR LANDSCAPE FEATURES OF GARDENS OR PARKLAND OF HISTORIC INTEREST, PARTICULARLY THOSE INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER COMPILED BY ENGLISH HERITAGE.

Conservation Areas

2.2.13 Conservation areas are defined as areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Most often they are centred on a group of listed buildings. Pleasant groups of other buildings, open spaces, trees, an historic street pattern, a village green or features of historic or archaeological interest can all contribute to the special character of an area. It is the way these things come together to create an overall appearance that is important. conservation area status increases the District Planning Authority's powers on the demolition of unlisted buildings, the felling of trees and the detailed control of new development.

The special qualities recognised by Conservation Area designation.

2.2.14 The task of the District Planning Authority is to decide how far new development should be permitted in a conservation area. Often emphasis will be on control rather than prevention, to allow the area to remain alive and prosperous but, at the same time, to ensure that any new development accords with the special appearance of its surroundings.

2.2.15 It will be important that every new building is designed not as a separate entity, but as part of its setting, which has a well established character of its own. Within conservation areas, or on visually sensitive sites adjacent to conservation areas, planning applications will be expected to show the proposal and its design in the context of neighbouring buildings and features.

2.2.16 If necessary, the District Planning Authority will use its power to direct that information relating to siting, design, external appearance and materials must form part of any submitted application. In some cases samples of materials will be requested to establish their suitability and acceptability. The District Planning Authority may be prepared to support the relaxation of building control and car parking standards where it is considered to be essential in the interests of preserving the character or appearance of a conservation area. To date there are 29 designated conservation areas in Mid Suffolk.

Development in Conservation Areas should become part of its surroundings.

SCHEDULE OF CONSERVATION AREAS - DEFINED ON THE INSET MAPS FOR THE FOLLOWING SETTLEMENTS:-

SAFEGUARDING THE CHARACTER OF CONSERVATION AREAS

POLICY HB8

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO PROTECTING THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF CONSERVATION AREAS AND THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL EXPECT NEW BUILDING, ALTERATIONS OR OTHER FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT TO CONSERVE OR ENHANCE THEIR SURROUNDINGS. SIMILAR CARE WILL BE TAKEN WHEN CONSIDERING PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ON LAND WHICH LIES ADJACENT TO A CONSERVATION AREA.

PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO THE FOLLOWING:-

- THE FORM, GROUPING, SCALE AND DESIGN OF NEW BUILDINGS OR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS, AND THE NATURE, COLOUR AND TEXTURE OF THE MATERIALS USED;

- THE NATURE AND APPEARANCE OF FEATURES INCLUDING WALLS, FENCES, HARD LANDSCAPING SUCH AS SURFACING MATERIALS, STREET FURNITURE, LIGHTING, ADVERTISEMENT DISPLAYS AND THE PLACEMENT OF SATELLITE DISH RECEIVERS;

- THE RETENTION OF NATURAL FEATURES SUCH AS TREES, HEDGES, GARDENS AND OTHER OPEN SPACES AND THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL PLANTING AND LANDSCAPING. THE PROTECTION OF SIGNIFICANT VIEWS INTO AND FROM THE CONSERVATION AREA IS REGARDED AS A MATERIAL CONSIDERATION AND WILL BE SAFEGUARDED.

- THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL CONSIDER THE WITHDRAWAL OF PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS FOR CERTAIN ALTERATIONS TO UNLISTED BUILDINGS WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS.

2.2.17 Demolition of Unlisted Buildings in Conservation Areas - The character and appearance of a conservation area derives from the variety of its buildings and the open spaces amongst them. Many of these buildings will not be listed and yet their demolition could adversely affect the character of their surroundings. The Government refers to past experience where unsightly gaps have appeared in conservation areas as a result of premature demolition and unsatisfactory development has been allowed, primarily to fill such gaps. Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, most buildings within a conservation area cannot be demolished without conservation area consent. There is a general presumption in favour of retaining buildings which contribute to the character or appearance of a conservation area.

Preventing the unwarranted demolition of buildings in Conservation Areas.

CONTROLLING DEMOLITION IN CONSERVATION AREAS

POLICY HB9

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL REFUSE THE DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES IN CONSERVATION AREAS THAT MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS. CONSENT TO DEMOLISH A BUILDING WITHIN A CONSERVATION AREA WILL NOT BE GRANTED UNLESS THE BUILDING IS:-

- RECOGNISED AS BEYOND REPAIR;

- INCAPABLE OF REASONABLY BENEFICIAL USE;

- UNATTRACTIVE IN ITS SETTING AND ITS REMOVAL OR REPLACEMENT WOULD BENEFIT THE APPEARANCE OF THE AREA.

CONSENT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS, WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS, PARTICULARLY IF FORMING PART OF A STREET OR VILLAGE SCENE, WILL NOT BE GRANTED UNTIL PLANS FOR REDEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND A CONTRACT HAS BEEN LET FOR THE PROPOSED REBUILDING.

2.2.18 Advertisements within Conservation Areas - A proliferation of advertisements can be detrimental to the appearance of a conservation area. The task of the District Planning Authority is to balance the commercial needs of businesses with the conservation of the surrounding historic environment and the interests of public safety. The majority of advertisements in conservation areas are likely to be shop signs. Signs should be seen as an integral part of a shopfront and will be considered for the effect on the elevation as a whole. Retail and commercial businesses need to look carefully at the use of standard fascia signs which may be inappropriate to a building or street within a particular conservation area.

Avoiding inappropriate advertisements within Conservation Areas.

ADVERTISEMENTS IN CONSERVATION AREAS

POLICY HB10

WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL REFUSE ADVERTISEMENTS THAT DETRACT FROM THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS OR THE BUILDING ON WHICH THEY ARE DISPLAYED. STRICT CONTROL WILL BE MAINTAINED OVER THE PROLIFERATION OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA WILL APPLY TO APPLICATIONS FOR ADVERTISEMENT CONSENT:-

- THE SIZE, COLOURING, SCALE, LOCATION, HEIGHT, FORM AND LAYOUT OF THE ADVERTISEMENT SHOULD COMPLEMENT THE APPEARANCE OF ITS SETTING AND ANY BUILDING TO WHICH IT IS TO BE ATTACHED;

- THE USE OF MATERIALS AND MEANS OF ILLUMINATION WHICH ARE VISUALLY UNSYMPATHETIC TO THEIR SURROUNDINGS WILL BE RESISTED.

Taking Measures to Enhance Conservation Areas

2.2.19 The Government expects local authorities to prepare schemes for enhancing their conservation areas and to discuss the contents of a particular scheme with the people who live, work or have businesses in that conservation area. Working with the County Highways Authority, these schemes can look at traffic management and car parking. They can also include proposals for landscaping, the upgrading of particular buildings and the use of well-designed street furniture such as seats and litter bins. There needs to be a positive side to looking after conservation areas rather than just controlling development. Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, local authorities can enter into financial agreements with English Heritage to set up Conservation Area Partnership Schemes to bring about environmental improvements.

Enhancement works within Conservation Areas.

2.2.20 With the building of the Inner Relief Road in Stowmarket, the main shopping streets in the conservation area are no longer burdened by heavy traffic flows. Coupled with a scheme for pedestrian priority, this gives the opportunity for upgrading the shopping centre of the town and a Conservation Area Partnership Scheme is proposed as the best way of making progress. Similarly the historic main street of Needham Market whilst heavily trafficked, would benefit from the comprehensive environmental upgrading that may stem from a Conservation Area Partnership Scheme. The District Planning Authority intend to seek the agreement of English Heritage, by completing any necessary bidding procedures, to secure Conservation Area Partnership Schemes for Stowmarket and Needham Market. The District Planning Authority will explore the opportunities for schemes in other towns and villages during the Plan period.

2.2.21 Putting the Local Plan and its policies into practice will be an important measure of its value to the local environment. As part of implementing the Plan, the District Planning Authority will set out its own ideas, where opportunities occur, for the redevelopment of important sites within or abutting conservation areas. The relocation of existing uses which no longer relate to their historic surroundings will be taken into account by the District Planning Authority in looking at the longer term enhancement of conservation areas.

Setting out detailed ideas for sites within Conservation Areas.

RELOCATION OF USES TO SECURE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT

POLICY HB11

WHERE OPPORTUNITIES ARISE TO SECURE ENVIRONMENTAL AND AMENITY BENEFIT, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY MAY NEGOTIATE WITH SITE OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS FOR THE RELOCATION OF EXISTING USES THAT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE CHARACTER OR APPEARANCE OF A CONSERVATION AREA.

POSITIVE ACTION WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS

POLICY HB12

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL WORK WITH THE HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY TO CONSERVE OR ENHANCE THE CHARACTER OF CONSERVATION AREAS BY THE MANAGEMENT OF TRAFFIC INCLUDING PARKING, THE DESIGN AND SITING OF SIGNS AND LIGHTING, AND THE CHOICE OF APPROPRIATE SURFACING MATERIALS.

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES IN MAKING PROPOSALS FOR NEW STRUCTURES OR WORKS IN CONSERVATION AREAS, OR THE REMOVAL OF UNSIGHTLY FEATURES SUCH AS OVERHEAD CABLES, TO ENSURE THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF A CONSERVATION AREA IS EITHER IMPROVED OR REMAINS UNDISTURBED.

Archaeology and Ancient Monuments

2.2.22 Archaeological sites across Mid Suffolk give evidence of thousands of years of human activity. 'Upstanding' archaeological remains are familiar such as the remains of castles, but there are many other sites such as burial grounds, ancient settlements or field patterns that are less obvious. The Government states that archaeological remains should be seen as a non-renewable resource. In many cases, sites will be highly vulnerable to damage or destruction. They can contain irreplaceable information about the past and the potential for an increase in future knowledge. They are part of our sense of national identity and are valuable both for their own sake and for their role in education, leisure and tourism.

Archaeology as an important record of local history.

2.2.23 Ancient Monuments - Many nationally important archaeological sites enjoy special protection as scheduled monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Consent is required from the Secretary of State for National Heritage before any works can be carried out that would affect or alter an ancient monument. There are 21 structures or earthworks within the Plan area which are scheduled as ancient monuments, including castle remains at Eye, Great Ashfield, Haughley and Offton and the site of a Romano-British settlement near Coddenham. Table 1 below lists the scheduled ancient monuments to be protected in Mid Suffolk. The location of the sites are indicated on the Proposals Map and Inset Maps.

Special protection for ancient monuments.

TABLE 1

SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENTS IN MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT

PROTECTING ANCIENT MONUMENTS

POLICY HB13

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL REFUSE PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT THAT ADVERSELY AFFECT SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENTS OR OTHER MONUMENTS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE INCLUDING THEIR SETTINGS.

ENSURING ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS ARE NOT DESTROYED

POLICY HB14

WHERE THERE IS AN OVERRIDING CASE FOR PRESERVATION, PLANNING PERMISSION FOR DEVELOPMENT THAT WOULD AFFECT AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OR ITS SETTING WILL BE REFUSED.

HAVING TAKEN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVICE, THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY MAY DECIDE THAT DEVELOPMENT CAN TAKE PLACE SUBJECT TO EITHER SATISFACTORY MEASURES TO PRESERVE THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS IN SITU OR FOR THE SITE TO BE EXCAVATED AND THE FINDINGS RECORDED. IN APPROPRIATE CASES THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL EXPECT A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT TO BE CONCLUDED OR WILL IMPOSE A PLANNING CONDITION REQUIRING THE DEVELOPER TO MAKE APPROPRIATE AND SATISFACTORY PROVISION FOR THE EXCAVATION AND RECORDING OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS.

POSITIVE ACTION TO LEARN FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS

POLICY HB15

THE DISTRICT PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SUPPORT PLANNING APPLICATIONS WHICH SEEK TO DEVELOP THE EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND TOURIST POTENTIAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND MONUMENTS IN A MANNER WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE PROPER INTERPRETATION, PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE.

Targets to be monitored as part of the performance of the Local Plan

Heritage and Listed Buildings

- to prevent development within parks and gardens of historic or landscape importance that would be damaging to their character and appearance

- to closely control the demolition of buildings and structures within Conservation Areas in order to protect the existing character of such designated areas

- to ensure that where development is permitted that affects archaeological remains, investigation and recording is carried out and, if appropriate, opportunities for archaeological interpretation and display are featured within the approved development.