Agenda item

To consider arrangements for public consultation on a proposal to designate a conservation area for the historic Chester Canal along a section of the present day Shropshire Union Canal within the boundary of Cheshire East.

Cabinet considered arrangements for public consultation on a proposal to designate a conservation area for the historic Chester Canal along a section of the present day Shropshire Union Canal within the boundary of Cheshire East.

The Conservation Area Character Appraisal for the Chester Canal section of the Shropshire Union Canal set out those aspects of the canal’s architectural and historic interest which made it special, proposed that it be designated as a conservation area by Chester West & Chester and Cheshire East Borough Councils and identified its proposed boundary. It included a set of recommended management proposals which sought to balance environmental issues, social progress and economic development in order to sustain, preserve, protect and enhance its character and appearance. The Appraisal had been drafted by The Chester Canal Heritage Trust and would form the basis of the consultation which would be carried out by the Trust. Following the consultation, a report setting out recommendations would be submitted to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning.

RESOLVED

That

1.    the Chester Canal Heritage Trust be authorised to consult residents, relevant parish and town councils within the Cheshire East parts of the canal and those with an interest in the canal and its corridor, on the proposal to designate a canal conservation area, its proposed boundary and recommended management proposals to sustain, preserve, protect and enhance its character and appearance, based on the recommendations in the Appraisal in Appendix 1 to the report;

2.    those consulted be sent a copy of the explanatory leaflet in Appendix 4 summarising the history of the canal and the effects of the proposed designation, to ease understanding of its context and implications;

3.    those consulted also be sent a copy of the questionnaire in Appendix 5 to facilitate the submission of clear written comments for consideration; and

4.    officers subsequently submit a report to the Portfolio Holder setting out their recommendations on the feedback on the consultation, and if proposing the designation of this canal conservation area, its proposed boundary and recommended management proposals to sustain, preserve, protect and enhance its character and appearance as set out in an attached appraisal, for consideration and approval; it being noted that any decision to be made by the Portfolio Holder to consider an officer recommendation to designate the conservation area will then become a key decision and will need to be added to the Forward Plan at that stage.