Chapter 6 Development Control

Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning AuthoritiesExtensions to therear of a protectedstructure can havean impact on viewsof the building andalso have thepotential to affectthe character ofan ACACHAPTER 6 DEVELOPMENT CONTROLHistoric plot divisions can be an important aspect of the character of an area as with theseburgage plots at Trim which survive from mediaeval times6.8.7 There may be cases where the planning authorityconsiders that additions cannot be permittedwithout seriously compromising the architecturalsignificance of a protected structure or its setting;alternatively that they would be detrimental to thecharacter of an ACA. 24 In such cases the proposalsshould not be permitted.Material change of use6.8.8 On the whole, the best way to prolong the life of aprotected structure is to keep it in active use, ideallyin its original use. Where this is not possible, there isa need for flexibility within development planpolicies to be responsive to appropriate, alternativeuses for a structure. A planning authority shouldcarefully consider any proposed change of use andits implications for the fabric and character of thestructure. A new use may have many implicationsfor the structure which may not be immediatelyobvious, for example with regard to compliancewith the Building Regulations.24 See also paragraph 7.13‘Avoiding Incremental Damage’93