Conservation plans for Hamlet Court Road up for review

October 29, 2020

Part of Westcliff could become the Borough’s newest conservation area under plans being considered by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s cabinet next week.

The cabinet is set to discuss (item 13, Tuesday 3 November) whether to launch a public consultation over proposals to designate a section of Hamlet Court Road as a conservation area.

Conservation areas are parts of the country with special architectural and historical significance. They are designated to allow local authorities to manage and protect them with extra planning controls and considerations.

Last year, the council commissioned specialist independent heritage consultants, Purcell, to undertake a review of all the Borough’s existing conservation areas with a view to renewing or producing new Conservation Area Appraisals. Purcell was also tasked with considering potential new conservation area designations and making informed recommendations to the council, as appropriate.

One area highlighted for consideration was Hamlet Court Road. Local heritage groups were consulted and met with Purcell to give their input, and an informal consultation was launched for local businesses and residents to then give their views on the plans. Comments were also received from Historic England, who welcomed the proposal.

Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “Following extensive research carried out by Purcell, and through feedback from local residents, businesses and heritage groups, the northern section of Hamlet Court Road - south of London Road - has been highlighted as a potential conservation area.

“If approved, we will proceed to a statutory public consultation where we will seek feedback on the proposals. The area has a number of buildings with historic and architectural value, and conservation status would offer increased protection in respect of any future planning applications in the area.

“I will be reviewing the plans in detail with cabinet and I look forward to hearing comments from my colleagues.”