Decision details

Summary

The Housing Portfolio Holder presented a report on the draft Management Plan for Cartmel Conservation Area. The draft Plan had been the product of a period of research and consultation across the Ward area which allowed for a wide variety of people contributing to the identification of the key features of the Conservation area. With the support of professional staff and consultants, a management plan has been prepared in order to preserve and enhance the Conservation Area’s significance and character.

The Housing Portfolio Holder highlighted the objectives of the Cartmel Area Management Plan which were to:-

·        Set out guidance for protecting the special character of Cartmel Conservation Area;

·        Produce a List of unlisted Buildings or Features of Local Architectural or Historic Significance that are of particular merit in the Conservation Area;

·        Consider whether an Article 4 Direction to control permitted development is justified, and provide evidence; and

·        Provide a strategy for Buildings at Risk Identify opportunities for environmental enhancement and the need for grant-aid.

The report highlighted a consultation period of a minimum of six weeks in early 2022 although there was some uncertainty over the consultation period due to the departure of South Lakeland District Council’s Conservation Officer.

Members expressed their support for the proposals and remarked that the amount of local involvement in the process had been impressive.

Decision

RESOLVED – That:-

(1)   The draft Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan for public consultation under Regulation 12 of the Town and Count Planning Regulations 2012 be approved; and

(2)   Authority be delegated to the Director of Strategy, Innovation and Resources to make any changes considered necessary by Cabinet to the draft Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan, prior to undertaking the public consultation on the draft document.

Reasons for Decision

The application of a Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan SPD in decision making will assist in delivering a balanced community and ensure the historic environmental qualities of Cartmel are retained and enhanced and this will support the attractiveness of Cartmel as a place to live, invest and visit.

The application of a Cartmel Conservation Area Management Plan SPD in decision making will assist in addressing the climate emergency and ensure new development is sustainable, enhances the district’s green infrastructure, and promote local business

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The alternative to not approving this document would be to leave it as an unadopted piece of work, which would serve no real purpose in the development management process. It would also prevent the completion of the CAMP and undermine the Council’s ability to exercise its statutory duties to preserve and enhance the designated assets in the Cartmel Conservation Area.