Archived press release

Date Published: 26/01/07

Aylesbury Vale District Council is seeking residents’ views on proposed changes to the Conservation Areas in Nash. The council has produced a draft appraisal of the character, appearance and setting of the Conservation Areas that it propose...

Aylesbury Vale District Council is seeking residents’ views on proposed changes to the Conservation Areas in Nash.

The council has produced a draft appraisal of the character, appearance and setting of the Conservation Areas that it proposes to use to inform planning decisions in the area.

The need to review the Conservation Areas has been prompted by the increased pressures likely to be exerted upon Nash by the future growth of Milton Keynes.

The appraisal gives an overview of the history and development of the village and defines what it is that makes it special. It also highlights specific features that contribute towards Nash’s character, such as buildings that are historic or locally significant, important green and open spaces, significant views and natural elements such as trees, as well as identifying areas in need of enhancement.

An important part of the appraisal process is the consideration of the Conservation Area boundaries. These are located at Town’s End, The Hill, Stratford Road and Wood End. Under discussion is the potential redefining of the existing boundaries, which have been in place since 1991.

The review is one of a series being carried out by the district council and will help to ensure that the special qualities of Conservation Areas are not harmed by inappropriate development.

The council also intends to develop a management plan for all the Conservation Areas within the district. This document will set out short, mid and long-term objectives for the successful management of the built historic environment. It is likely that the strategy will be in place by April 2008, with additional chapters being added for each Conservation Area as they are reviewed.

Councillor Carole Paternoster, Cabinet Member for Planned Development, said: “We are committed to preserving and enhancing the special character of areas of architectural or historical interest and are keen to ensure that each Conservation Area in the district celebrates our heritage.The input from local residents is a very important part of our review process, and I would urge as many people as possible to take part in the current public consultation.”

From 5 February until 16 March, local residents are invited to give their opinions on the proposed boundary changes. All comments received will be taken into consideration when a final decision is made regarding these proposals.

During the consultation period there will be a public exhibition attended by a Conservation Area Officer providing further information about the proposals, including photographs and maps. This will take place at Nash Village Hall on 28 February between 4pm and 8pm.

The draft appraisal, which gives a full description of the proposed Conservation Areas, is available for inspection and for purchase at the district council offices at 66 High Street, Aylesbury, and the Buckingham Centre, Verney Close, Buckingham during the public consultation period.

Anyone who wants to respond to the plans should write to Emilia Hands at Aylesbury Vale District Council, 4 Great Western Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2TW. Please mark your comments “Nash PCA”. You can also email your comments to ehands@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk