Heritage Assets

Achieving a proper balance between the special interest of an asset and proposals for alterations and
extensions requires careful consideration and often flexibility of both the applicant and the Local Planning
Authority (LPA).
Extensions to Heritage Assets should relate appropriately in scale and massing and should be subservient
to the Asset. These extensions can relate to the existing Asset in terms of similar, architectural language or
be contemporary and complementary, but in either case should enhance and better reveal the significance
of the asset. If an historic approach is adopted, then the extension should be historically accurate in
terms of design, detailing, materials, colour and scale. If contemporary then high quality designs, details
and materials are essential.
Baptist Church, Ashley Road – Local Heritage Asset
3.2 The Setting of Heritage Assets
The area around a historic asset is known as its setting. The setting includes the land around the structure,
but can also include the street on which it stands or the surrounding countryside.
Where proposals are likely to impact on the surrounding landscape or setting of the asset the council will
not consider the proposals unless an adequate assessment of the affect of the proposal on that setting
is received as part of the application alone or as part of the Design and Access Statement where one is
required .
New development which affects the setting of a Heritage Asset should ensure the significance of that
setting is enhanced or better revealed. Development should preserve positive settings and enhance those
that are poor and should address positioning, layout, design and landscaping.
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