Proposals to Radlett Conservation area

What do you think of Radlett (North) Conservation Area? Could it be improved?

The council is considering a number of improvements and would like to know what you think.

One of the main changes would be to remove Barn Close from the conservation area, which would mean a modest change to the boundary of the conservation area.

Barn Close is a 1970’s residential development of six detached houses and while the close is considered to represent a fine example of post-war development, we believe that it does not reflect the more important periods in the historic development of this area of Radlett.

Cllr Hannah David, portfolio holder for housing and planning, explained: "Conservation areas should be protected as historically important parts of our borough. We have a duty to review our conservation areas from time to time and there are ways in which the historic character of an area can be preserved and enhanced for future generations, so we would welcome your views on the our proposals."

Other recommendations include:

• the production of generic design guidance to help steer development
• tightened enforcement controls to better manage adverts on shop fronts
• grant schemes (subject to funds being available) within the commercial area of the Conservation Area to improve its appearance
• improvements to the pedestrian environment, a reduction in ‘street clutter’ and the removal of graffiti
• restrictions  on specific buildings within the conservation area to prevent extensions and alterations that would damage their character and appearance
• a possible Tree Preservation Order protecting the trees within Barn Close, should the road be removed from the conservation area

The council used conservation consultants, the Built Environment Advisory and Management Service (BEAMS), part of the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust, to carry out an assessment of the conservation area which led to the proposals. The process of doing this was to look at different areas or ‘character zones’ within the Radlett (North) Conservation Area and analyse each in detail, taking in what were considered to be good, neutral and bad features.

To see the proposals in full:
Visit our website: the proposals are listed under planning, building and tree conservation - scroll down for Radlett North conservation area appraisal.
(http://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/planning/conservation/RadlettNorthConservationArea.jsp)

Information will be available at the Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett from Monday 14 June to 26 July. Council officers will also be there on 7 July from 3pm to 6pm, and 15 July 2010 from 5pm to 8pm to answer any questions you may have.

Visit our offices in Elstree Way, Borehamwood.

You can send you views:

By email to: local.plan@hertsmere .gov.uk By post to:
Policy and Transport Team
Planning and Building Control Unit
Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Offices
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts. WD6 1WA

Closing date for responses is 5pm, Monday 26 July.

Responses will be considered at the council’s Executive Committee in the autumn.