Townscape in Trouble - TrustNews Summer 1992
The English Historic Towns Forum was created in 1987, after a conference in Bath, to promote and reconcile prosperity and conservation in historic towns. Nigel Green, Head of Conservation and Design, Winchester City Council, comments on a recent report.
The English Historic Towns Forum, of whom Winchester Preservation Trust are active members, has recently brought out a publication called "Townscape in Trouble" making the case for changes in legislation as if affects conservation areas. This is in response to the fact that despite increase in public concern and awareness on conservation issues, planning regulations are often so ineffective that they allow the special character of historic towns, villages and streets to be eroded through permitted development rights, which cannot stop the removal of traditional features including doors, windows, alterations to roofing materials, taking out front gardens, and many other examples, which together have a deleterious effect on an area.
The publication makes its case graphically and gives many examples of the consequences of current weak and often ambiguous legislation. The problems identified in the report equally apply to Winchester's conservation areas.
The EHTF are currently lobbying for changes reducing the scope of permitted development rights in conservation areas and have had a number of receptive meetings with Government departments. The Forum are asking for Winchester Preservation Trust's support in this campaign.
Winchester City Council has recently considered this report and has unanimously agreed to write to the Department of the Environment urging changes in legislation. It will also ensure that this topic is given the widest possible debate.
Townscape in Trouble is available from The Huntingdon Centre, The Paragon, Bath BA1 5NA. Price £5.
Ilustration by Steve Collins from Townscape in Trouble. A typical unlisted shopfront in a conservation area (left), and (right) badly affected by a collection of signs and advertisments which can be installed with the benefit of 'Deemed Consent, ie, without permission.