A historic conservation area in Old Harlow is set to benefit from a new measure where residents will need permission from the council to carry out certain types of work on their home which currently don’t need planning approval. This is part of proposals agreed at a recent Harlow Cabinet meeting to protect and enhance the character of Churchgate Street and follows recent consultation with residents.
The Churchgate Street conservation area is a place of huge historical significance, encompassing the core of Churchgate Street which is characterised by a range of architecture and several nationally listed buildings dating back centuries. The original conservation area was designated in 1969 and updated in 1984. Following consultation with Churchgate residents the area has been increased in size with Sheering Drive and the churchyard of St. Mary’s Church now included.
In addition to revising the boundary, it has been agreed that the council will introduce an Article 4 Direction to cover Churchgate Street. Under this direction, planning permission will be required that would normally be covered under permitted development rights. This can include exterior cladding, altering external windows and doors and constructing porches. The Article 4 direction will therefore help preservation by restricting changes that would affect the overall historic character of the buildings within the conservation area.
Full details can be read in the Character Appraisal and Management Proposals document. This explains all the steps being proposed. In addition to this document there is a draft management plan and guidance document.
Six-weeks consultation on the draft plan and the introduction of the Article 4 Direction will start on Thursday 6 March until Thursday 17 April.
Commenting on the proposals, Councillor Alastair Gunn, cabinet portfolio holder for Garden Town and planning, said:
“By taking these measures, we are ensuring the overall character of Churchgate Street, which contains many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and much earlier, is better protected and preserved.
“You will see if you read the Character Appraisal and Management Proposals that we have gone into great detail to ensure that we balance the need for protecting the historic character of the conservation area against the wishes of homeowners who want to alter their properties without needing to obtain planning permission. For this reason, the proposed Article 4 Direction only removes Permitted Development Rights which evidence suggests are necessary to remove.
“This is all part of the council delivering on its mission to renew our neighbourhoods – this mission includes the protection and preservation of those areas which have great historic and cultural significance to our town, as well as working to refresh those parts that are in need.”
“I would like to thank the residents who have responded to consultations which have been held so far and the detailed response we received from the three ward councillors. We have listened to what has been said and made changes. We want to ensure that there are plenty more opportunities for residents to continue to have their say on this important issue.”
As part of the consultation the relevant documents will be available to read on the council’s website, the Civic Centre reception and at the Central and Old Harlow libraries.
Two exhibitions for Churchgate residents will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday 20 March, 6:30pm to 8pm, and Tuesday 25 March, 10am to 11:30am. These have been arranged in conjunction with the Churchgate Residents’ Association. Further details will be shared on Churchgate Street and council social media channels. All residents and property owners will be sent a letter on the consultation.
Subject to consultation responses and future Cabinet approval, the Article 4 Direction will be confirmed (come into force) 12 months after it was made, and prior to this the management plan and guidance document will be adopted.
Find out more about conservation areas in Harlow.
Watch back the Churchgate Street item at the Cabinet meeting of Thursday 13 February 2025