EP29

Environment Policy 29: In considering development proposals within Consultation Zones as designated on the Area Plans or published Consultation Zone Maps, the Department will consult with the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate to determine the appropriateness of the development. In all cases, the health and safety of the public will be the overriding consideration. Developments which would conflict with the requirements of health and safety will not be permitted.

7.24 The Built Environment - Introduction

7.24.1 The architecture of the Island, the quality of its buildings, the way in which they blend in with their surroundings, the respect for the built environment and the collective and individual cultural heritage, are all matters that are important to the sustainability of the Island's unique identity.

7.24.2 The Island possesses an extensive and well preserved historical character. The presence of sites, features, buildings and Conservation Areas undoubtedly adds to the quality of our lives, and the physical remains of our past are to be valued and protected as a central part of our culture, heritage and sense of national identity. It adds to our 'sense of place' and is a constituent part of both the rural and urban environment.

7.24.3 The Island enjoys a rich heritage of buildings, all of which represent the social, economic and cultural history of the Island. These physical remains of our past, which may include historic buildings, ancient monuments and archaeological sites whether in towns, villages or in the countryside sustain the distinctiveness of the Island which is so vital to the retention of its unique character and our sense of national identity. The historic environment is also a material asset that makes a positive contribution to economic prosperity for the purposes of tourism, leisure and recreation.

7.25 The Historic Building Stock

7.25.1 The Island is well blessed with a rich and varied historic environment. Work is continuing on the expansion of the list of designated Conservation Areas and Registered Buildings in recognition of their particular architectural, social or historical interest and within the Island there are so far 250 Registered Buildings and 19 Conservation Areas.

7.25.2 In addition, there are many as yet unscheduled and unidentified buildings and areas, which are either locally important or potentially worthy of designation. These also ought to be preserved and enhanced wherever possible through planning policy.

7.25.3 Positive attitudes are therefore required through the Strategic Plan towards the protection of the built environment for maintaining the architectural and historic continuity and distinctive character of each town and village. A fine balance therefore needs to be struck between conservation and enhancement on the one hand, and promoting development and growth on the other. However, conservation of the built environment and archaeological features should be viewed as an asset to be promoted and not as a constraint to be overcome. The historic environment in practice cannot remain unchanged, and the role of planning is to reconcile the needs for development against the need to conserve and protect the historic environment.

7.26 Demolition, Extension or Alteration of a Registered Building

7.26.1 Many Registered Buildings on the Island can sustain a degree of sensitive alteration or extension in order to accommodate continuing or new uses. Nevertheless, Registered Buildings do vary greatly in the extent to which they can accommodate change without loss of special interest. Some may be sensitive to even slight alterations. In cases where there have been successive changes to a Registered Building, the cumulative effect of the work will be assessed in determining the overall impact on the character of the building.

7.26.2 The Department is continuing its assessment of important buildings across the Island worthy of being afforded Registered status. Many of the buildings identified which have the potential for Registration result from being named in Area Plans. These will, in the future, become the main sources for identifying new buildings which should be put on the list for potential registration.

7.26.3 The Permitted Development Order withdraws permitted development rights within the curtilage(1) of Registered Buildings as well as Conservation Areas. Development which might otherwise require no planning permission becomes subject to development control.