The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Environment and Place) presenting a potential new Conservation Area for designation at Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses for consideration.

Resolved:

1. That the Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses be designated as a Conservation Area.

2. That the adoption of the Conservation Area Appraisal for Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses and the addition of the properties within it to the Local List, be approved.

3. That public consultation take place on the Article 4 Direction proposed for the Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses and that a subsequent decision on confirmation of the Article 4 Direction be delegated to the Executive Director (Environment and Place) in consultation with the Executive Councillors for Arts, Culture, Heritage & Leisure and Housing and Planning.

Reasons for decision:

The proposed Chelmsford Avenue Almshouses Conservation Area has been appraised to provide up to date evidence on the area and make recommendations regarding designation. There have been two stages of public consultation during this process. The appraisal provides up to date management plans to help guide appropriate and sympathetic change within the area and highlight opportunities to enhance its character and appearance. 

Other options:

Not to adopt the Conservation Area appraisal  and take forward the Article 4 direction. This would be contrary to the recommendations of the Conservation Area Appraisal, produced by independent heritage experts Purcell.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in as the matter has been subject to pre-Cabinet Scrutiny.

Cabinet Members: Cllr Jarvis and Cllr Garston.