Action plan for rundown sites
0 Comments | Kent and Sussex Courier, The; Tunbridge Wells ed., Aug 13, 2010 | by Oliver Frankham
WAR has been declared on Cranbrook’s “grotspots”.
A high-ranking council officer has promised action following the publication of a damning planning document this week.
The Cranbrook Conservation Area Appraisal highlighted areas of concern, including the dilapidated Providence Chapel and former Cranbrook Engineering premises, both in Stone Street, and the former gasworks site on The Hill.
Speaking to the Courier this week, council heritage officer Alan Legg said the release of the 50-page report would lead to the authority focusing its attention on “detractors” within the defined conservation area.
Deteriorate He said: “The Providence Chapel is an issue that has been around for a while. Various planning schemes have been tried which haven’t been accepted and the building continues to deteriorate.
“I think it has come to the point where I am going to pick this one up and consider exercising some of our more draconian powers as a planning authority.”
As the council has a duty of care to ensure listed buildings are maintained in good repair, it can carry out essential repairs and recover the cost from the owner.
In extreme cases it also has the power to enforce a compulsory purchase order to take control of the property.
The appraisal, produced by the Cranbrook Conservation Area Advisory Committee, took a year to prepare in consultation with 95 town residents.
It lays down the law on unwelcome applications to install uPVC cladding, gaudy shop fronts, solar panels, wind turbines and satellite dishes, and criticises a lack of landscaping around the Cranbrook School sports hall.
Tall hedges which block panoramic views, ugly railings and “conspicuously unsightly” telegraph poles will also be tackled in a blitz on town centre eyesores.
Mr Legg said it had been an innovative project which had involved the council and community working hand in hand.
He said: “It’s not just a guide, it is a policy document which planners are obliged to observe in their decision-making process. It has an added benefit if the community are involved.”
Waterloo Road resident Peter Allen, a member of the committee who co-authored the report with chairman John Badcock, said: “There are plenty of beautiful things to praise in Cranbrook but, where things could be better, we tried to point that out too.
“I am delighted that the borough council is deeply concerned about these areas and is taking action.”
Cranbrook Parish Council chairman Peter North said: “It is a useful starting point, but it has to lead to action. It is pointless producing such a document if nothing is done.”