URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1587

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Tyldesley)   Councillor Tyldesley declared an interest during the consideration of this item in view of her living in Yealand, one of the affected areas.   Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Planning & Climate Change with regard to the adoption of Conservation Area Appraisals for and boundary changes to Over Kellet, Whittington and Yealand Conyers & Redmayne Conservation Areas.   The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:     Option 1: To adopt the CAAs and approve the boundary changes Option 2: Not to adopt the CAAs or approve the boundary changes Option 3: To adopt the CAAs without the boundary changes (this would involve amending the CAAs) Advantages Their adoption would be in accordance with national planning guidance (Government Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) and Historic England) which makes it clear that CAAs are the starting point for actively managing these significant parts of the historic environment.   The CAAs would form part of the evidence base of the district’s Local Plan.   The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) (paragraph 203) states that “Plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay and other threats. This strategy should take into account:   a) the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets, and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation;   b) the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring;   c) the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and   d) opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place.   By approving the boundary changes, the council would be fulfilling its duties under Section 69(2) of Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 which states that local planning authorities have a duty “from time to time to…determine whether any parts or further parts of their area should be designated as conservation areas…”   The CAAs will assist and guide the Development Management Team and Conservation Team in in their work managing development within this area, as well as having a wider application for officers, property owners and the community as a reference tool and evidence base for better understanding the area. Its adoption will give the document more weight as a material consideration in planning decisions. None known Their adoption would be in accordance with national planning guidance (Government Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) and Historic England) which makes it clear that CAAs are the starting point for actively managing these significant parts of the historic environment.   The National Planning Policy Framework (2024) (paragraph 203) states that “Plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay and other threats. This strategy should take into account:   a) the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets, and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation;   b) the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring;   c) the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; and   d) opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place.   The CAAs would assist and guide the Development Management Team and Conservation Team in in their work managing development within this area, as well as having a wider application for officers, property owners and the community as a reference tool and evidence base for better understanding the area. Its adoption will give the document more weight as a material consideration in planning decisions. Disadvantages None known Without formal adoption, the CAA would not carry as much weight and could not be relied upon as a material consideration in planning decisions.   The Council would not be fulfilling a duty under s.69(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (see above). Omitting the review of the boundary would mean that a fundamental element of the appraisal process had been overlooked.   The Council would not be fulfilling a duty under s.69(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (see above). Risks None known Without an adopted CAA, it will be harder to protect the CA from inappropriate development and more difficult to defend at appeal.     The officer preferred option is Option 1. The adoption of the CAAs and the boundary changes align with heritage duties and requirements under the relevant Acts and the NPPF and national guidance. It would ensure that there is more robust protection in place for managing these conservation areas.   This report sets out the preferred way forward for (i) adopting conservation area appraisals for three existing conservation areas, and (ii) approving boundary extensions for them following a review of these areas, some 40-50 years since their original designation. These actions will help ensure that they are managed with a more thorough understanding of their significance going forward.   The Cabinet member with responsibility confirmed that a map detailing the conservation areas within the district would be circulated to Cabinet members.   Councillor Tyldesley proposed, seconded by Councillor Bottoms:-   “That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”   Councillors then voted:-   Resolved unanimously:   (1)        That the adoption of the draft Conservation Area Appraisals for Over Kellet, Whittington and Yealand Conyers & Redmayne be approved.   (2)        That the proposed extensions to the current conservation area boundaries in these three settlements be approved.   Officer responsible for effecting the decision:   Chief Officer Planning & Climate Change   Reasons for making the decision:   Government planning guidance relating to the historic environment is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2021) and the CAAs align with this.   The CAAs contribute to the Council’s vision for the Lancaster district to thrive as vibrant regional centre in the north west of England, making the most of our district’s many attributes as a great place to live, work and visit.   The Council Plan sets out the Council’s priorities for 2024-2027, and the CAAs align with three of these, specifically:   • A Sustainable District – encouraging the repair and re-use of existing buildings, which reduces waste and locks in carbon; • An Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy – supporting investment and regeneration; and • Healthy and Happy Communities – supporting access to heritage and culture and quality public spaces.   At a district level, the Local Plan sets out the Council’s broad strategy for heritage conservation within the Strategic Policies and Land Allocations (climate emergency review) DPD and the Development Management (climate emergency review) DPD, both adopted in January 2025. The CAAs align with these documents.

Date of Decision: September 16, 2025