Object

Representation ID: 22533

Received: 16/03/2020

Respondent: Historic England

Para 177-179: We would like to see more here about the distinctive, unique heritage of the area – what makes this special and different from elsewhere? Think about building materials, building styles, local vernacular, settlement form and pattern and so on and try to describe that here. We need to know what we have that we need to protect and enhance.

Suggested change: Add more description about what is distinctive/unique etc. about the historic environment of the area.

Para 179 and 180: Replace historic assets with heritage assets for the reasons set out above

Para 182: Make the point that harm should be avoided in the first instance.
Be careful when talking about weighing against public benefits – there are different tests depending upon the grade of asset and the degree of harm. Suggest making reference here to the NPPF.
Suggested Change: State that harm should be avoided in the first instance.
Add the following to the end of the last sentence …in accordance with the various tests set out in the NPPF.

Natural Environment:
Make the link between green infrastructure and the natural environment. Landscape parks and open space often have heritage interest, and it would be helpful to highlight this. It is important not to consider ‘multi-functional’ spaces only in terms of the natural environment, health and recreation. It may be helpful to make reference in the text to the role GI can have to play in enhancing and conserving the historic environment. It can be used to improve the setting of heritage assets and to improve access to it, likewise heritage assets can help contribute to the quality of green spaces by helping to create a sense of place and a tangible link with local history. Opportunities can be taken to link GI networks into already existing green spaces in town or existing historic spaces such as church yards to improve the setting of historic buildings or historic townscape. Maintenance of GI networks and spaces should also be considered so that they continue to serve as high quality places which remain beneficial in the long term.
Suggested Change: Add text to make the link between green infrastructure and the natural environment.

Policy 3:
We suggest adding the words, ‘in accordance with the requirements of the NPPF either after historic environment of after historic asset.
Again change historic asset to heritage asset, the preferred term.
Suggest separate policy for Natural Environment