Policy information sourced from Harpenden Neighbourhood Plan

ESD2 – Local Character and Heritage

The height, scale and design of all developments must be considerate of and make a positive contribution to local character and heritage, maintaining or enhancing positive elements and seeking to address negative elements.

Proposed developments affecting the fabric or setting of statutory listed buildings, structures, parks or gardens or affecting the appearance of the Harpenden Conservation Area must provide a Heritage Statement that assesses and outlines the significance of those heritage assets affected. Where a development would result in substantial harm to a heritage asset, the public benefits of the proposals must outweigh the level of harm. Where a development would result in less than substantial harm, this must be balanced against the public benefits. In the case of development in the Conservation Area, Statements must demonstrate how the character of the Identity Area it sits within, as set out in the Harpenden Conservation Area Statement, is retained.

Necessary repairs to listed buildings should preserve as much historic fabric as possible using proven techniques (normally traditional and natural methods and materials, carried out sensitively). Reinstatement of traditional and natural materials, where doing so will not cause undue harm, will be encouraged.

Where development affects an undesignated heritage asset identified in a planning guidance document prepared by St Albans City and District Council, such as a locally listed building, structure, park or garden or an alternative undesignated heritage asset outside of the Conservation Area, a proportionate assessment of impact should be provided by the applicant, in order to assist an assessment of the benefits of the scheme against its heritage impact. Proposals that would result in a negative impact to an undesignated heritage asset without an adequate public benefit would not be supported.

The sensitive retrofitting of energy efficiency measures and the appropriate use of microrenewables in all historic buildings (whether designated or not) will be encouraged, while safeguarding the special characteristics of these heritage assets for the future.

For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan