Abergele Conservation Area Appraisal

development control purposes is contained in the
policies of the Colwyn Borough Local Plan.
18.2 In determining planning applications in the
Abergele conservation area, the Council will have
particular regard to the policies contained in the
Colwyn Borough Local Plan. In addition,
supplementary planning guidance will be relevant,
in the emerging Council shop front design guide.
18.3 The Council should consider imposing an
Article 4 Direction to control these elements of
permitted development which can be
demonstrated as having an adverse effect on the
character and appearance of the conservation
area. It has to be said that many houses have
been modernised and changed, not always for the
better, and whilst an Article 4 Direction may
prevent further inappropriate changes, the
imposition of planning control measures may be
somewhat late.
18.4 The Conservation Area appraisal has
identified a number of problems. Every type of
problem cannot realistically be covered by policies
in the U.D.P. and as such, supplementary
planning guidance is required to be read in
conjunction with the policies in the U.D.P.
In more detail, the supplementary planning
guidance relating specifically to the Abergele
conservation area is listed below. It deals
principally with shop front improvements and new
shop front design, signage, building renovation
(especially the canopies) boundary
improvements, use of upper floor and other
improvements.
1.There will be a presumption against the removal
or demolition or substantial alteration of the
remaining traditional shop fronts in the
conservation area.
2.The Council will encourage the renovation and
appropriate improvement of the traditional shop
fronts through design guidance and advice and
through the Council's grant schemes where funds
permit.
3.A high standard of design will be expected for
new shop fronts or alterations to existing shop
fronts.
4. The Council will encourage and promote a high
standard of design, detailing and use of
appropriate materials in the design of new shop
fronts or adaptation of existing shop fronts. The
use of local materials, where appropriate, will be
encouraged. The use of tropical, or other
hardwoods, from non sustainable sources will be
discouraged.
5. The Council will not accept planning
applications for works for shop fronts unless they
are accompanied by fully detailed and annotated
drawings, to include half full size sections showing
details of construction, decoration and the like.
6. There will be a presumption against the staining
or varnishing of new joinery, unless it can be
demonstrated that this type of finish is appropriate.
7. The Council will expect a high standard of
design for advertisements. Advertisements /
signage on shop fronts will normally only be
permitted where they are confined to the fascia
and respect both the character and overall
appearance of the building on which they are
displayed and the street scene in general.
8. The display of projecting signs will normally only
be permitted where they are traditional hanging
signs.
9. The Council will encourage the use of bilingual
signs.
10. There will be a presumption against the use of
Dutch style blinds/canopies.
11. The use of traditional fully retractable blends
with an appropriate cover will normally be
permitted where they do not obstruct vehicles or
pedestrians.
12. The Council will encourage the renovation and
improvements of the remaining canopies through
design guidance and advice and through the
Council's grant schemes where funds permit. The
Council will encourage the use of traditional
materials and designs and the reinstatement of
missing details and decoration.
13.Demolition will only be permitted in exceptional
cases and only where there are detailed
ABERGELE CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL
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