Agenda item

To receive a report that seeks approval to the content of the Draft Northumberland Square Conservation Area Management Strategy Supplementary Planning Document, publication and next steps following public consultation.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for the commencement of a six-week public consultation on a Draft Northumberland Square Conservation Area Management Strategy (CAMS) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The draft CAMS had been prepared to support the delivery of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) scheme for the Northumberland Square conservation area in North Shields town centre. Historic England identified preparation of the CAMS for this area as one of the conditions for funding support.  The funding formed part of a £2.46million project, which included an Authority contribution of nearly £1million, to revitalise the Northumberland Square Conservation Area, focused on Howard Street and Northumberland Square.  The HAZ scheme had supported many physical improvements to the built environment, including the redevelopment of Northumberland Square, public realm improvements along Howard Street and refurbishment to several properties within the area. A significant number of community-based cultural projects including high-quality workshops, oral history projects and public performances had also been supported.

The Northumberland Square HAZ and preparation of the CAMS consequently formed an important contribution to the delivery of the North Shields Masterplan – a key priority for the Authority.

Subject to Cabinet’s agreement to the commencement of a six-week public consultation process as outlined at section 2.3 of the report, it was proposed that a further report be received setting out any proposed amendments to the CAMS as a result of the consultation responses received, and to seek approval for its adoption as an SPD.   Production of the draft CAMS was in line with national planning policy, contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), that encourages strategies “for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment”.

The draft CAMS sets out potential projects and objectives for the area that would guide planning, regeneration and other development and management decisions in the conservation area. It would form a basis for any applications for external funding. The Authority adopted similar SPDs for the Fish Quay Conservation Area (2012) and Tynemouth Village Conservation Area (2014) that had proved key documents in guiding positive decisions in those areas.

The draft CAMS recommended how the conservation area could be preserved and enhanced through: identifying regeneration and enhancement opportunities, advising on the management of public realm, green spaces and trees, identifying the area’s heritage assets and considering a review of the conservation area boundary, setting out design principles, advising on good maintenance and repair, and advising on monitoring and enforcement.

A full copy of the draft CAMS was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.  As part of the development of the draft CAMS, and in accordance with the relevant Regulations, the Authority had also undertaken screening exercises to establish whether it would result in likely significant effects to the environment and to habitats and species of European nature conservation importance. The respective Screening Statements were attached at Appendix 2 and 3 of the report.

Cabinet considered the following decision options: either to agree the recommendations as set out in paragraph 1.2 of the report; or alternatively, to not accept the recommendations.

Resolved that (1) the content of the Draft Northumberland Square Conservation Area Management Strategy Supplementary Planning Document included at Appendix 1 of the report, be noted;

(2) publication of the Draft Northumberland Square Conservation Area Management Strategy Supplementary Planning Document for public consultation, as outlined in section 2.3 of the report, be agreed; and

(3) it be agreed that a further report be received at the conclusion of the public consultation process when Cabinet will be asked to consider any amendments to the Draft Northumberland Square Conservation Area Management Strategy and to approve the adoption of the Draft Northumberland Square Conservation Area Management Strategy.

(Reason for decision: Production of a CAMS is a condition of the recent Historic England HAZ finding for the area. Its production is in line with the aims of local and national planning policy and guidance, and will assist the Authority pursuing its statutory duty of preserving and enhancing the character and appearance of the conservation area. It will guide planning, regeneration and other development and management decisions in the conservation area, building on recent positive change in the area.)