Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance seeking Members’ approval to consult on the Draft Lists of Local Heritage Assets for the Parishes of Althorne, Cold Norton, North Fambridge, Purleigh and Stow Maries (attached as Appendix 1 to the report).

Members were advised that Planning Practice Guidance encouraged Local Planning Authorities to identify ‘non-designated heritage assets’ against consistent criteria and noted that adding them to a ‘local list’ was a positive way of improving the ‘predictability of the potential for sustainable development’.  The Council’s Conservation Officer was drafting lists for each Parish and Appendix 2 to the report set out a timetable for the development of the register of local heritage assets.

Members expressed their thanks to the Conservation Officer for the work he had done in relation to the Draft Lists and conservation in the District.

Councillor Miss S White declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item of business and in particular the farm buildings at Stow Maries which she had been inside and knew the owners of.

Members considered the report and its related appendices and in response to the debate and questions raised the following information was provided:

·                    It was noted that according to the timetable Southminster was listed as Phase 3.  Some Members requested that Southminster Police Station be looked at as a matter of urgency to preserve its current heritage as it was felt the building was at risk.  Councillor A S Fluker reported that he would be meeting with residents regarding this over the coming weeks.

·                    The Conservation Officer explained that the Draft Lists sought to recognise locations with historic interest and manage change relating to them in a way which did not compromise on what was special about a location.  Being on the list would not impose any additional controls and properties on the list could be removed.

·                    It was agreed that owners of land included within the Draft Lists would be written to by the Conservation Officer as a matter of priority and be provided with a clear understanding of what the listing means and how it was not the same as being a ‘listed building’.

·                    It was agreed that Southminster be moved from Phase 3 into Phase 2 with Maldon and Heybridge.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that Southminster Police Station be added to the list and taken forward immediately, subject to the availability of the Conservation Officer.  This proposal was not seconded.

The Chairman then put the recommendation set out in the report, subject to land owners being written first and the additional recommendation that Southminster be moved from Phase 3 into Phase 2 with Maldon and Heybridge.  This was duly agreed and Councillor Miss White requested that her vote against the proposal be recorded.

RESOLVED

(i)                 that subject to notifying the land owners the Draft Lists of Local Heritage Assets for the Parishes of Althorne, Cold Norton, North Fambridge, Purleigh and Stow Maries are approved for public consultation;

(ii)               that Southminster be moved from Phase 3 into Phase 2 with Maldon and Heybridge.

Councillor Mrs Channer returned to the chamber.

IN THE CHAIR : COUNCILLOR MRS P A CHANNER