Issue - items at meetings - Patcham Conservation Area Review

Report of the Acting Director of Environment (copy attached).

(1)         That the Cabinet Member approves the draft Patcham Conservation Area character statement and boundary change for public consultation.

41.1         The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Acting Director of Environment concerning a consultation on a revised character statement for the Patcham Conservation Area and a change to its boundary.

41.2    The Cabinet Member stated that the character statement formed part of the current review of the five downland village conservation areas and followed the adoption of the Stanmer Character Statement in March and consultation on Portslade Old Village in June.  The review sought to describe the character of the area in order to inform future development decisions.  It suggested changes to the boundary and recommended further planning controls to preserve architectural features.

41.3    It was recommended that the character statement and its proposals were now published for public comment.  This would allow the council to make sure that the final document was robust and the recommended changes well supported.

41.4    Councillor Mitchell was pleased to see that the review was on track and expressed her support for this work.  

41.5    Councillor Randall stated that he had enjoyed reading the report and had been interested in reading the history of Patcham.  The village had made an important contribution to the City’s heritage.  He asked for news about the future use of Patcham Place and Patcham Court Farm.

41.6         The Cabinet Member replied that Patcham Place was occupied by the Youth Hostel Association, and was currently being considered for another use; meanwhile, he hoped there would soon be a scheme in place for Patcham Court Farm.

41.7    The Acting Director of Environment explained that the planning team were closely working with the property team to bring forward a scheme for Patcham Court Farm.  

41.8         RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendation:

(1)         That the draft Patcham Conservation Area character statement and boundary change be approved for public consultation.