MM19
Object
Development Management: Schedule of modifications
Representation ID: 34379
Received: 22/09/2014
Respondent: Ms G Yeadell
I object to all the amendments and deletions in this paragraph. They are clearly intended to water down protection to local, national listing etc. '..clearly demondstrated...benefits of proposed demolition outweigh the harm..'. 'In the case of nationally or locally listed buildings..weight will be given..these heritage assets based on their importance when considering..demolition'. This all provides loopholes to assist developers. Why bother to have listing at all if it can be messed about with?
Main Modifications to Development Management Submission Document 2013 your ref DMSOM310714.
Thank you for your letter of 31.07.14 inviting comments, objections etc on the above mattters.
I enclose my responses as invited.
Object
Development Management: Schedule of modifications
Representation ID: 34396
Received: 24/09/2014
Respondent: Historic England
The inserted policy should be reworded as follows:
Consent for the demolition of a building in a Conservation Area will only be granted where it can be clearly demonstrated that the public benefits of proposed demolition outweigh the harm to the Conservation Area. In the case of nationally or locally listed buildings, appropriate weight will be given to the significance of these heritage assets based on their importance when considering applications for demolition. Any harm to, or loss of, a nationally listed building will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
English Heritage objects to the change of wording proposed in this insertion.
Paragraph 126 of the NPPF requires local planning authorities to set out in their Local Plan a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats.
The inserted policy as currently proposed is not worded positively in terms of conservation of the historic environment and does not reflect the requirement of Paragraphs 133 and 134 of the NPPF that harm should be balanced against public benefits.
The inserted policy should be reworded as follows:
Consent for the demolition of a building in a Conservation Area will only be granted where it can be clearly demonstrated that the public benefits of proposed demolition outweigh the harm to the Conservation Area. In the case of nationally or locally listed buildings, appropriate weight will be given to the significance of these heritage assets based on their importance when considering applications for demolition. Any harm to, or loss of, a nationally listed building will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.