Draft Newbury Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

Activity closed

Background

West Berkshire Council is reviewing the Newbury Town Centre (NTC) Conservation Area, which was first designated in March 1971, as part of our long-term project to review all of our 53 conservation areas. It was last reviewed in 2010 as part of the Core Strategy.

The statutory definition of a conservation area is 'an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.' (Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 S69). A conservation area may be designated at any time by a local planning authority (LPA) by resolution of the appropriate committee.

Designation recognises the unique quality of that area as a whole. This quality comes not only from individual buildings and monuments but also other features, including topography, materials, thoroughfares, street furniture, open spaces and landscaping. It also means it has a statutory consideration in planning decisions, and additional planning controls in place.

As the LPA, we have a duty to assess whether particular parts of West Berkshire should be designated as Conservation Areas. Our policies, and government legislation, help to make sure these areas are protected.

We achieve this by completing a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP), which clearly defines why an area has been designated as a Conservation Area, outlines its special interest and to includes proposals for its preservation and enhancement.

We also have a duty to publish up-to-date CAAMPs for all existing conservation areas, which is why we're reviewing Newbury Town Centre's Conservation Area.

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What this means for those that live or work in a conservation area

Many people choose to live or work in a conservation area because of the special nature of the place. Being in conservation area can enhance property values. To preserve the special qualities, planning considerations are in place relating to buildings, trees and structures including fences and walls.

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What we are proposing

We are proposing to  amend the boundaries of the Newbury Town Centre Conservation Area [16MB] .

You can read the full draft Newbury Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (NTCAAMP) [10MB] , and view the revised boundary map [16MB] online.

You can also view all the documents in person at the following locations during normal opening hours:

• West Berkshire Council, Council Offices, Market St, Newbury RG14 5LD
• Newbury Town Hall, Newbury Town Council, The Old Town Hall, Marketplace, Newbury RG14 5AA
• Newbury Library, The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AU

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How to take part

If you'd like to comment on our draft appraisal and management plan, please complete our survey by midnight on Wednesday, 23 February 2023. It should take about five minutes.

Alternatively, you can send your comments to NewburyConsultation@westberks.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact NewburyConsultation@westberks.gov.uk

For general enquiries about conservation areas in West Berkshire, please visit our webpage.

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What happens next

All comments received will be carefully considered, and any necessary amendments made to the Newbury Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.  Once formally adopted, it will be published on our website.