Keeping Potters Bar special

How special is Potters Bar to you? If you have a view then come along to one of our open events, or send us your views.

Hertsmere Borough Council reviews its conservation areas from time to time is proposing that Potters Bar Darkes Lane (West) area becomes a conservation area.

The proposal follows an assessment which looked at the reasons why Potters Bar Darkes Lane (West) should be protected as a historically important part of the borough and the ways in which its historic character could be preserved and enhanced for future generations. The council looked at the character of the area, and buildings in and around The Avenue, Heath Drive, Manor Way and Mountway, taking into account the good, neutral and bad features of the area. (Please note: this does not include the golf course as reported in local media.)

Cllr Charles Goldstein, Planning and Performance portfolio holder, explained: “Darkes Lane (West) has the potential to remain an attractive and well-preserved area, but there is always room for improvement and we feel that we can achieve this by designating the area as a conservation area, and in the future reviewing the way it is managed.

“This means that there would be tighter controls over what can happen in the area in terms of building, construction, the general look and feel and alterations to existing premises.”

For example, the designation of a conservation area would mean there would be restriction on the types of development on houses that can take place, while trees would get additional protection and the council would need to be advised of any works to them.

If you live in the area and would like to know more about how this affects you, then you can see the consultation documents in full at Civic Offices, Borehamwood or at our offices at the Wyllyotts Centre, Potters Bar or online.

Council officers will also be at the United Reformed Church, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 1BZ on Tuesday 1 November from 3pm until 8pm, and on Saturday 5 November from 9am to 4pm so why not come along and have a look and chat to officers.

The closing date for responses is 5pm, Wednesday 23 November. You can write to us at:

Policy and Transport Team
Planning and Building Control Unit
Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Offices
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA

Or email: local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk

The review was undertaken by the Built Environment Advisory and Management Service (BEAMS), part of the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust.

Responses will be reported back to the council’s Executive Committee before the final appraisal and conservation area boundaries are agreed. It is expected that the final decision will be made in early 2012.