The CPH Climate Change & Planning Decision Session met to discuss the White House Way Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder - Climate Change & Planning, approved the draft appraisal and management plan and authorised a public consultation on its contents. The consultation aims to gather community feedback on the plan, which will then be used to inform any necessary amendments.

White House Way Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

Councillor Andy Mackiewicz approved the draft White House Way Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan and authorised a six-week public consultation on the plan. The results of the consultation and any resulting amendments to the draft document will be the subject of a future report.

The Civic Amenities Act 1967 requires local planning authorities to protect areas of special historic or architectural interest. The White House Way Conservation Area was originally designated in 1999 under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

The conservation area is focused on the architectural concept of the area, which has maintained much of its original integrity and distinctive form. Regular appraisals help identify potential threats and formulate management proposals to ensure preservation and enhancement. The last appraisal of the White House Way Conservation Area was undertaken in 2007, and since then some changes have occurred.

The draft appraisal and management plan was prepared in accordance with current best practice and guidance from Historic England.¹ The plan provides information to assist property owners and tenants in carrying out work or formulating development proposals. It also aims to provide a robust evidence base for planning decisions and appeals.

The reasons for the revision are that the 1990 Act places a duty on local planning authorities to draw up proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas and to consult the local community. An up-to-date appraisal and management plan will have positive environmental benefits and will result in a more robust evidence base for planning decisions affecting properties within the conservation area. The information provided in the appraisal will assist those considering purchasing properties or carrying out works within the conservation area.

Identifying the special interest will help inform the design of new development to ensure it is sympathetic to the character and appearance of the conservation area. The appraisal will also have a wider application by raising awareness of the historic environment.

The report states that the designation of conservation areas and the use of statutory powers to ensure such areas are positively managed to preserve and enhance the Borough's historic areas, is fundamental to its success as an attractive place to live, work and invest. The preservation and enhancement of White House Way Conservation Area will maintain local character and distinctiveness and help protect and enhance important spaces and natural environments both within and adjacent to the conservation area.

The public consultation process will run for a period of six weeks during September and October 2025 and will include ward members, residents, and property owners. At the end of the consultation period the responses will be collated and summarised and a schedule of suggested amendments prepared. The matter will then be the subject of a further report to consider the results of the public consultation and the adoption of the document.