ASHTAV welcomes the opportunity to participate in
Government consultations.

Here are our responses:

Draft Heritage Protection Bill: Consultation on Conservation Area clauses

ASHTAV welcomes the publication of the Conservation Area clauses, as Conservation Areas are of particular concern to many of our members. We are very glad to be given the opportunity to comment on the clauses.

Clause 1. We are pleased that the term ‘Conservation Area’ will have such a wide remit, allowing local heritage to be viewed holistically, reducing confusion and creating more opportunities for designation through the various types of ‘special interest’.

Clause 3. ASHTAV believes that there should be wider consultation prior to the designation, amendment to that designation, or cancelation of a designation. Local amenity societies, historical societies and individuals often
have a wealth of knowledge regarding their local area, and would be able to offer an informed opinion on such designations.

Clause 5. Likewise, we would like to see the wide consultation of relevant national and local groups, and the local public, prior to and during the production of Conservation Area Management Plans. We are very pleased to see that a duty will be placed on a local planning authority to produce a Management Plan for each Conservation Area, and would encourage the use of local expertise in the production of these Plans.

Clause 9. ASHTAV welcomes this clause, which confirms the Government's intention to reverse the 1997 Shimizu decision. In general, the clause would appear to give a much stronger protection to Conservation Areas than hitherto. However, we are concerned that there is no mention of enforcement for damage of the special character where it constitutes archaeological or artistic interest. Archaeology in particular is a very significant part of the overall local heritage landscape, and if it will no longer be protected by local designated Areas of Archaeological Significance, measures should be in place to prevent its destruction under Conservation Area
legislation.