Policy information sourced from the Hertsmere Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Plan

SADM29 - Heritage Assets

Planning applications will be considered in accordance with the NPPF.

When applications are submitted for proposals affecting any heritage asset the applicant must clearly explain what the proposal is for and provide sufficient detail to allow for an informed decision to be made.

When assessing proposals, the Council will have regard to the significance of the heritage asset and the potential harm to it.

The Council will not permit development proposals which fail to protect, conserve or where possible enhance the significance, character and appearance of the heritage asset and its setting. The scale, design, use and character of the proposal will be taken into account, as well as the detailed provisions following.

Conservation Areas

In Conservation Areas the Council will seek to:

  • retain buildings, structures and historic features;
  • retain important open spaces and views;
  • avoid the cumulative effect of smaller scale proposals harming the area; and
  • obtain improvements which enhance the area.

In particular, proposals resulting in the loss of buildings and structures in Conservation Areas will not be permitted unless:

  • the building or structure is beyond economic repair; or
  • its removal and replacement would be beneficial to the character or appearance of the area.

The Council will also take into account any additional guidance provided by a Conservation Area Appraisal including buildings identified as making a positive contribution to the Conservation Area.

Listed Buildings

The Council will not permit development proposals which would materially harm the setting or endanger the fabric of a listed building. Listed Building Consent will not be granted for alterations or extensions that would be detrimental to the special architectural or historic character of a listed building.

Archaeology

The Council expects features of known or potential archaeological interest to be identified, assessed, surveyed, recorded and wherever possible retained. Developers will therefore be required to undertake an archaeological field assessment and submit a report on the findings before the Council will grant planning permission. Where a proposal would affect archaeological remains and it is considered acceptable for the development to proceed, conditions will be imposed to ensure that the remains are properly recorded, and where practicable, preserved and enhanced, and the results analysed and published.

List of Locally Important Buildings

Development proposals affecting a building included on this list will be expected to maintain or improve the appearance and character of the building, and its setting. The demolition of buildings on the list will not therefore be supported.

Historic Parks and Gardens

Proposals relating to registered or locally important historic parks and gardens should:

  • avoid any harm to the historic asset; and
  • where possible, enhance its significance, character, appearance and setting.

The scale, design, character and materials of the proposed development must respect the appearance and landscape of the park and garden.

Battlefield

Development on or affecting the setting of the site of the Battle of Barnet (1471) will not be permitted.

For more information please see the Hertsmere Policies Plan