Policy information sourced from the Kingston Town Centre Area Action Plan Chapter 7
K11: THE OLD TOWN CONSERVATION AREA (OTCA)
The Council will seek a range of enhancements to the OTCA through: the development control process; the management of the Ancient Market Place and Market House; pro-active work with land and property owners and improvements to the public realm. Development proposals should preserve or enhance the character, appearance, setting and medieval layout of the OTCA, as well as its vibrancy and vitality, and will be required to:
- Achieve a high standard of design, with appropriate scale, height, massing and materials, which relates well to surrounding buildings and frontage lines, demonstrating the impact on the OTCA in a Design Statement
- Retain buildings which make a positive contribution including listed buildings and Buildings of Townscape Merit
- Enhance or replace buildings/structures which detract from the appearance and character of the area
- Safeguard important views to, from and within the area
- Maintain the variety of architectural styles and richness of traditional detailing
- Retain historically signifi cant features such as boundaries, plot widths, building lines and open spaces and natural features such as trees
- Retain and restore traditional features such as shop fronts, walls, paving
Proposals for development within the OTCA or within 200m of its boundary that exceed 20m in height above street level, will require a visual impact study to demonstrate its impact on the conservation area and views.
Streetscape clutter and unnecessary signage will be removed, inappropriate street furniture will be replaced and where possible lighting columns will be removed and appropriate replacement lamps positioned on buildings.
For more information please see the Kingston Town Centre Area Action Plan Chapter 7