Residents living in the Queens Park conservation area are being asked for their views on whether to introduce stricter planning controls to preserve the unique character of properties in the area. Queen’s Park has been a conservation area since 1977.
Brighton & Hove City Council is launching a consultation in response to local concerns identified in the Queens Park Conservation Area Statement.
The document, which was adopted by the council in September 2018 following public consultation, highlights how the loss of architectural details on the front of properties has a detrimental effect on the special character and appearance of the conservation area.
They include the changing of traditional sash windows to uPVC, installing inappropriate timber windows, modern doors, railings and gates, the loss of front boundary walls and the painting of previously unpainted brick features.
The Conservation Area Statement recommended that planning controls should be drawn up (known as an Article 4 Direction,) to stop these changes when they affect the front of houses.
Article 4 Directions restrict the minor works and alterations that can normally be carried out without planning permission within a particular conservation area.
In Queens Park, the proposed Article 4 Direction would apply to all houses within the Conservation area, including small HMOs.
Flats and commercial properties already have stricter planning controls.
Any work carried out on properties before the introduction of the Article 4 direction would remain in place and the council cannot take retrospective enforcement action.
From Monday February 3rd, Queens Park residents are being encouraged to take part in the consultation and let the council know what they think of the proposals.
For more information on the Queen’s Park conservation area view the Character Statement
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