Policy information sourced from the Chelmsford Local Plan 2013-2036 PDF.

DM13: Designated Heritage Assets.

A) The impact of any development proposal on the significance of a designated heritage asset or its setting, and the level of any harm, will be considered against any public benefits arising from the proposed development. Where there is substantial harm or total loss of significance of the designated heritage asset, consent will be refused unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm or loss; or all of the following apply:

  • the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; and
  • use of the asset is not viable in itself in the medium term, or not demonstrably possible in terms of grant funding; and
  • the harm or loss is outweighed by bringing the site back into use.

Where there is less than substantial harm to the heritage asset this will be weighed against the public benefits of the development proposal, including securing the optimum viable use of the heritage asset.

The Council will take account of the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets and the positive contribution that conservation of heritage assets can make to sustainable communities, local character and distinctiveness.

B) Listed Buildings

In addition to Part A) the Council will preserve Listed Buildings and will permit proposals where:

  • any extension/alteration would not adversely affect its significance as a building of special architectural or historic interest, both internally and externally; and
  • development within the setting of a listed building would not adversely affect the significance of the listed building, including views to and from the building, landscape or townscape character, land use and historic associations; and
  • any change of use would preserve its significance as a building of special architectural or historic interest and ensure its continued use.

C) Conservation Areas

In addition to Part A) development will be permitted in Conservation Areas where:

  • the siting, design and scale would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area; and
  • building materials and finishes are appropriate to the local context; and
  • features which contribute to the character of the area are retained; and
  • important views are preserved.

Development involving demolition or substantial demolition will only be granted if it can be demonstrated that:

  • the structure to be demolished makes no contribution to the special character or appearance of the area; or
  • it can be demonstrated that the structure is beyond repair or incapable of beneficial use; or
  • the substantial public benefit would outweigh the harm; or
  • it can be demonstrated that the removal of the structure would lead to the enhancement of the Conservation Area.

D) Registered Parks and Gardens

  • Development proposals should protect Registered Parks and Gardens and their settings. Harm should be assessed in accordance with the tests within Part A) of this policy.

E) Scheduled Monuments

Development proposals should protect Scheduled Monuments and their settings. Harm should be assessed in accordance with the tests within Part A) of this policy.

For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.