KET4 Areas of Special Character
Leading on from KET3 in considering future renewal and development but looking beyond the conservation area across the wider KNP area, this policy idea looks to identify Areas of Special Character. These are areas of architectural and heritage interest that are of local significance (non-designated heritage assets) but not to the extent that justifies being designated as a statutory Conservation Area (though some may be candidates for potential future designation).
In seeking to address the concerns of the community and the Advisory Panel in respect of design quality, this policy area would ensure that planning applications have to show that they have acknowledged, understood and responded to the any local heritage significance at their development location in their design.
To have proper weight in the planning system, Areas of Special Character must be identified and justified as part of the production of a plan like this Neighbourhood Plan. This allows for the local community, land and property owners and other bodies to have their say on the proposals before they are considered for approval.
Areas identified by the Advisory Panel on their local walkabouts are:
1) Victoria Street
2) William Street
3) the area bounded by Lower Street, Rockingham Road and Northfield Avenue (particularly to the western and south-west) an interesting mix of factories (now ex-) built amongst factory workers dwellings
4) Stamford Road housing from Avondale Road to Edinburgh Road
5) The houses around Rockingham Park, on Park Road and Park View
6) The length of Rockingham Road
7) Mill Road,
8) St Peter’s Avenue
9) Job’s Yard
10) Oxford StreetThis long list will undergo initial evaluation over the summer.