Agenda item

Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration presented the report to Council noting that Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and that there are 13 conservation areas in Ceredigion.

He noted that the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 which superseded previous legislation, brings existing legislation on the historic environment together in one bilingual act, providing a basis for more detailed management appraisals.  In order to ensure that the Local Planning Authority is meetings its statutory duty, the Planning Policy Team sought funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the preparation of conservation area appraisals and management plans. These plans are subject to public consultation, and it was noted that once the current Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans have been adopted, the intention is to prepare appraisals and management plans for the remaining conservation areas once resources allow.

Members asked regarding the flexibility of Article 4 on areas such as Llanddewi Brefi in relation to air source heating, solar panels and window frames. It was noted that this report related to consent to commence consultation, and that it did not propose the implementation of an Article 4. Members also asked about the removal of chimney stacks in Lampeter and it was noted that residents should apply for conservation area consent prior to removing the chimney stacks.

Following a vote, it was unanimously RESOLVED that the Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans be released for public consultation.