AJD
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Conservation Area Advisory Committee - 2006/05/04 17:14
Many regulars to LM website will know of my keenness to see a Conservation Area Advisory Committee established for Lewes along the lines of the Chichester model.
This week's copy of that brilliant new on-line mag "Viva Lewes" carries a short piece from me to introduce the concept to Lewes.
If we already had a CAAC up and running, it would be an invaluable aid to help the Council get it right over Phoenix. And, let's face it - they're going to need all the help they can get.
Here is what I said:
"I believe Lewes desperately needs its own Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC).
Everyone who cares about Lewes will have a very different view on recent building development in this historic town. Almost everyone agrees, however, that Lewes has suffered more than its fair share of planning disasters over the last half century.
It’s easy, but grossly unfair to lay blame for this on the local Authority.
Professional Planners and Committee Members are legally bound to advise and adjudicate on all proposed developments by following clearly established guidelines.
And they can only allow, or turn down, what is put before them.
This is why so many Local Authorities have turned to groups of local professionals and caring residents for help in their effort to make the right planning decisions.
So what is a CAAC?
It would have members drawn from bodies like: The R.I.B.A., the R.I.C.S., Town Planners, Urban Design Group, the Georgian, Victorian and 20th Century Groups, the local Councils, the Friends of Lewes, Residents’ Associations and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It would meet monthly to consider all planning applications which affect the Conservation Area, as well as involvement and comment at the initial planning stages of major projects. It would have no executive power whatsoever.
Does Lewes need yet another committee?
Lewes is full of committees. All well-meaning and most keenly interested in planning development. But none can bring together the depth and scope of ability and experience available through a CAAC.
How much would it cost and, crucially, who would pay?
Around £5000 p.a. and, ultimately, you – the ratepayer.
So the question is – do you agree that Lewes should have its own CAAC?
Please use the Discussion Forum on Lewes Matters website to tell me what you think.
Anthony Dicks"
So please do. Get the ball rolling and don't (as if you would!) pull any punches.
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