Chichester District Council is inviting people to share their views on updates to its Westbourne Conservation Area Character Appraisal
Character appraisals describe the character, heritage and significance of a conservation area, capturing why it is special and how it can be protected. Each appraisal also outlines the boundary of the area; makes recommendations on enhancements; and has an important role in helping to shape future development and planning policies.
The Westbourne Conservation Area Character Appraisal is one of four appraisals that the council is currently reviewing to make sure they reflect the areas' special character and to identify any changes that need to be made to how they are managed.
Councillor Susan Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, says: "As the planning authority for a large part of the Chichester District, one of our key roles is to identify ways in which we can help to protect our beautiful area and to preserve and enhance its character and heritage — conservation area appraisals are an important part of this.
"Our character appraisals help to maintain the heritage and character of our towns. They take into account a range of property ages and types, from Wealden houses, Georgian manor houses, to Victorian terraces and can include modern developments. Gardens, trees, open space, landscaping and street and development layout also form an important part of the character of an area. We have 85 conservation areas in the Chichester District and 14 have adopted character statements.
"We regularly review character appraisals for the conservation areas in our district, and we are now asking for people's views on the updated Westbourne appraisal. Most of the changes are very small but one key update is that we have identified another area of special architectural and historic significance — Westbourne Cemetery — and are proposing to expand the boundary of the conservation area to cover this.
"As part of this consultation, we're keen to hear as many views as possible and would encourage residents and businesses to have their say. Given the significance of these areas, we hope that residents will take the time to look at the proposals in the consultations and give their views so we can fully take account of local opinions."
The consultation will close at 5pm on 6 May 2022. The final draft of the character appraisal will be reviewed to reflect public responses, which will be reported to the council's Planning Committee in May 2022
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