Have your say on proposed changes to conservation areas in Farnborough and Aldershot

It is part of aims to protect and improve heritage and character

Author: Carol MusgravePublished 1st Nov 2021

We are being asked our views on proposed changes to four conservations areas in Aldershot and Farnborough.

Rushmoor Borough Council has launched a consultation, as part of several reviews aimed at protecting and improving the heritage and character of the towns, and build on the policies in the Rushmoor Local Plan.

In the Manor Park and Farnborough Hill conservation areas, the council is proposing to change the boundaries to remove areas that do not reflect, or add to, the historic character.

The proposed amendments to the Basingstoke Canal conservation area takes account of the changes to the Aldershot Garrison and the designation of parts of the area as Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG).

The council is also proposing to de-designate the St Michael’s Abbey conservation area as a significant number of buildings within it are modern, and the core heritage buildings, and their settings such as St Michael’s Abbey and St Peters School are Nationally Listed, which provides greater protection than conservation area designation.

As well as finding out more and making comments on the council's website at www.rushmoor.gov.uk/article/11866/Conservation-area-reviews residents will also be able to find out more about the proposals at four virtual drop-in sessions. These will be for:

• St Michael’s Abbey and Farnborough Hill on 16 November

• Basingstoke Canal and Manor Park on 17 November

Anyone who would like to attend one of the sessions should email planningpolicy@rushmoor.gov.uk.

Anyone unable to attend should contact the planning policy team on 01252 398787 so they can make alternative arrangements.

Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Planning and Economy, Councillor Marina Munro, said: "Our conservation areas play an important role in maintaining the heritage and character of our towns.

"A lot has changed since we last reviewed them.

"Given the significance of these areas, we hope that residents will take the time to look at the proposals in the consultations and give their views so we can fully take account of local opinions."

The consultations are now available on the council's Planning policy consultations web page until 5pm on 13 December.

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