The Conservation and Design Team Leader reported on a proposal to designate Preswylfa Court as a Conservation Area, taking into account feedback from consultation with owners and residents.  She also outlined proposed additional controls over permitted development within the Conservation Area by the serving of Article 4(1) and 4(2) Directions and includes a draft design guide to assist owners and occupiers.

She reported that the buildings which formed part of the original Preswylfa Children’s Home or “Cottage Homes”, date from between 1880 and1902 and were listed Grade II in1997.  She informed the Committee that during the 1990s, the site was the subject of a sensitive redevelopment scheme which preserved the character of the 13 Listed Buildings around the central green, whilst enabling a sensitive infill housing development, intermittently dispersed between the historic buildings.  The design and materials of the new development were carefully controlled at that time through the planning process to avoid any harm to the setting of the Listed Buildings and the historic character of the area. 

She stated that officers have received an increasing number of enquiries and concerns relating to minor alterations, particularly to the unlisted buildings within Preswylfa Court, which was attributed to changes in property ownership and the need for ongoing maintenance and repairs to properties.  Whilst alterations, extensions and demolition to the Listed

Buildings can be controlled; alterations to the more recent infill properties  were currently classed as permitted development and are outside of the control of the Local Planning Authority.  These incremental changes have started to have a negative effect on the character of the area and without controls being introduced, there is a real risk of the area becoming so materially affected that the value of the built heritage could be irretrievably lost.

The Conservation and Design Team Leader reported that the need for an assessment of the Preswylfa Court area for potential Conservation

Area status was identified in the Council’s previously adopted Unitary Development this Committee was advised of the outcome of the assessment at a previous at its meeting on 6 July 2017.  At that meeting, the Committee agreed for Officers to consult with the residents/owners of Preswylfa Court concerning designating the area as a Conservation Area.

The Conservation and Design Team Leader reported that two consultation events / exhibitions were held and the majority of the residents who attended supported the proposal to designate the Conservation Area and agreed that additional controls were needed.  She stated that residents were particularly concerned with preserving the character of the original Listed Buildings and the central open green space around which the houses are located.  Residents were also keen to receive some design guidance in order to refer to in the future. 

The Conservation and Design Team Leader informed the Committee of a proposal to make a Direction under Article 4(1) for the flats as they do not under planning legislation enjoy Permitted Development rights.  It was also proposed to make an Article 4(2) for domestic buildings as property owners of non-listed properties currently have permitted development rights. 

RESOLVED:                That the Committee:

·           Approved the proposed boundary in Appendix 1Aof the reportfor the proposed Preswylfa Court Conservation Area;

·           Agreed that a Direction be made under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to remove permitted development rights from those owners and occupiers of flats contained within the proposed Preswylfa Court Conservation Area under the terms set out in Appendix 2of the report;

·           Agreed that a Direction be made under Article 4(2) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to remove permitted development rights from those owners and occupiers of dwelling houses contained within the proposed Preswylfa Court Conservation Area, under the terms set out in Appendix 3 of the report;

·           Agreed that Officers be authorised to liaise as necessary with the Welsh Government in respect of the Article 4(1) Direction;

Agreed that Members receive a further report which will present any representations received as a result of serving the Article 4(1) and Article 4(2) Directions.