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MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
CABINET MEMBER FOR REGENERATION
REPORT OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY STRATEGY
Report prepared by Mike Parkinson
Date Issued: 4th March 2010
1. MAIDSTONE HOLY TRINITY CONSERVATION AREA: MANAGEMENT PLAN
1.1 Key Issue for Decision
1.1.1 To agree the management plan for Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area for adoption and publication.
1.2 Recommendation of Assistant Director of Development and Community Strategy
1.2.1 That the Cabinet Member agrees that the text of the Conservation Area Management Plan for Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area, attached as Appendix A to this report, be approved for adoption and publication subject to any necessary minor editorial amendments to be made by the Assistant Director of Development and Community Strategy.
1.3 Reasons for Recommendation
1.3.1 The original draft of the Management Plan for Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area was approved for consultation purposes by the Cabinet Member on 17th December 2009 and was the subject of consultation in accordance with the aims of the Councils adopted Statement of Community Involvement. This included the following bodies and individuals:-
§ English Heritage
§ Kent County Council
§ Ward Members
§ Other relevant organizations with an interest in the particular areas, e.g. Chamber of Commerce and Town Centre Manager
In addition, a copy was placed on the Borough Councils website and a press release placed in the Kent Messenger. Copies were also deposited at Maidstone and Springfield Libraries and at The Gateway, the latter accompanied by a display. Internal consultations were carried out with the development control section. A drop-in session was held in The Gateway on 25th January.
1.3.2 Consultees were encouraged to respond using a questionnaire relating to key issues.
1.3.3 No responses have been received as a result of the consultation process. Consequently, no changes have been made to the Management Plan other than minor ones to update the text to take account of recent new development.
1.3.4 Summary of Key Proposals. Major proposals incorporated in the Management Plan include:-
· Significant extensions of the Conservation Area to the north and east
· Smaller extensions to the west and east
· The extension of the existing Article 4 (2) Direction to cover any additions to the Conservation Area
· Enhancement proposals to encompass improvements to shopfronts, signage, intrusive wirescape, street furniture and highways signage
· The encouragement of the redevelopment of vacant sites and surface car parks.
1.3.5 All of these elements will require separate procedural steps and will be subject to further consultation, with the aim of completing this programme within the next 24 months.
1.4 Alternative Action and why not Recommended
The alternative would be not to approve the Management Plan for adoption and publication. However, following this course of action would mean that the Council was not complying with national guidance and best practice.
1.5 Impact on Corporate Objectives
1.5.1 The management plan will result in clear guidance regarding the important features and character of Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area for all parties involved in projects, or decision making within them, and should thus assist in the attainment of corporate objectives.
1.6 Risk Management
The key area of risk is managing local expectation. The publication of an up to date Management Plan sets out an action plan summary, a series of measures to remedy breaches of planning or listed building control, the disrepair of buildings and general environmental improvements, together with a priority list. There is no budget or staffing resource allocated to implement these actions and many are outside of the Councils direct control. Where Maidstone is not the lead authority it needs to be made clear that officers might exert influence but do not have the power to carry out the proposed action. Actions within the Councils powers, where there is no direct cost implication, can be built into next years revised work programme for Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans. This will obviously take into account current staff resources but will clearly not address any financial implications which, as yet, are not fully quantifiable.
1.7 Other Implications
1.7.1
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1. Financial
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2. Staffing
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3. Legal
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4. Equality Impact Needs Assessment
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5. Environmental/Sustainable Development
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6. Community Safety
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7. Human Rights Act
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8. Procurement
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9. Asset Management
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Environmental/Sustainable Development
Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans should
assist in the attainment of consistent decisions on development proposals and give greater ability to ensure that the high environmental qualities of conservation areas are protected. Management plans will address how sustainability can best be integrated into conservation areas without compromising their special character. The management plans can be instrumental in building partnerships for positive action by the Council with English Heritage and other parties.
1.8 Relevant Documents
1.8.1 Appendices
1.8.2 Appendix A, Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area Management Plan
1.8.3 Background Documents
1.8.4 609/100/06 Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area
Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area Appraisal
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How to Comment Should you have any comments on the issue that is
being considered please contact either the relevant Officer or the Member
of the Executive who will be taking the decision. Malcolm Greer Cabinet
Member for Regeneration Telephone:
01634 862876 E-mail:
malcolmgreer@maidstone.gov.uk Mike Parkinson Principal
Conservation Officer Telephone:
01622 602335 E-mail:
mikeparkinson@maidstone.gov.uk