Agenda item

Alma Howell, Senior Planning Officer and Conservation Officer introduced the report which requested that the Committee considered the proposed changes resulting from the public consultation on the East Grinstead Conservation Area Appraisal and Boundary Review.  She noted that the review was a legal requirement and Historic England advised that best method was by undertaking appraisals. A programme of appraisals had been agreed by this Committee in July 2018. The review of East Grinstead Conservation Area was agreed as a priority within this programme and in the Council’s Economic Strategy due to its economic role and the historic medieval timber framed buildings on the High Street.  She advised that since that programme had been agreed, appraisals had been completed for the three Conservation Areas in Hurstpierpoint, this one, East Grinstead, was now almost complete and work had started for Lindfield and Muster Green. The Committee was informed that Part A of the document sets out the special architectural and historic features of the Conservation Area that should be preserved and enhanced, Part B sets out the Management Proposals which also includes a review of the boundary of the Conservation Area.  The work on the appraisal noted that there was no reason to significantly alter the boundary other than to rationalise the edges and include some of the rear service yards. 

The Officer confirmed that a meeting and exhibition at East Grinstead Library formed part of the consultation There had been 26 respondents to the consultation.  She noted that where appropriate action had been taken and responses to the comments were noted in red in appendix 2.  The appraisal provides a clear statement on what needs protecting and the document should be adopted as a material consideration in the planning process.

Members discussed the responsibilities of the Highway Authority, signage in the conservation area and the development at Queens Walk.  The Officer confirmed that all initiatives required partnership working with East Grinstead Town Council and/or the County Council.  She informed the Committee that the document could only influence future applications once the changes have been approved.  Sally Blomfield, Divisional Leader for Planning and Economy confirmed that the development at Queens Walk had planning permission and this document would inform future applications.  She advised that the progress of any collaboration work with the County Council would be reliant on their work programme and budget.  

The Chairman noted that it was remarkable that the High Street was still identical to the medieval map, and he thanked the Officer for her work.

The Chairman took Members to the recommendations which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

(i) Considered the responses to the public consultation on the East Grinstead   Conservation Area Appraisal and the recommended changes, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii) Delegated approval of the proposed changes to the East Grinstead      Conservation Area Appraisal to the Cabinet Member for Housing and  Planning along with approval of the revised document (as set out in Appendix 2), as a material in the determination of planning applications; and

(iii) Delegated approval of the proposed boundary changes, as illustrated in                   Appendix 3, to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.