The IHBC has welcomed the public recognition of the value of conservation services represented by the local online petition launched in protest at decisions by Redbridge Council not to have a ‘proper conservation officer’ and to abolish its conservation area advisory committee.
IHBC Vice-chair Kathy Davies said: ‘This petition is just a small – though very resonant – statement of how local communities can value their conservation services.’
‘Interestingly too, such petitions may be one of the best and easiest ways for the public to voice their concerns over local failings in public services duties such as conservation that have substantial statutory implications while also offering much wider social benefits’.
The petition states:
We the undersigned petition the council to oppose Redbridge Council’s abolition of the Borough’s Conservation Advisory Panel (CAP) as we believe this will have a detrimental effect on local Conservation areas. We request the reinstatement of CAP and a proper Conservation Officer.
The deletion of the conservation officer post earlier this year weakened protection for the 16 conservation areas in Redbridge.
The summary abolition of CAP (the Conservation Advisory Panel) is a devastating blow to protecting our borough and its conservation areas from inappropriate development.
It will now be easier for developers to demolish family homes and build blocks of flats, conservation areas to fall prey to inappropriate refurbishments and developments and for Redbridge to lose its unique and valued character.
Together with the abolition of Regional Planning Committees, proposals for high rise blocks in residential areas and an implicit threat to our green belt in the draft local plan, our borough is under threat as never before.
The abolition of CAP was not discussed with the: volunteer lay members; the councillors who served on it; the community groups (such as the Wanstead Society) who regularly made submissions.
The Council is legally responsible for the protection of our conservation areas and is in danger of being guilty of a dereliction of duty as a result of these devastating changes.
It is essential that the protections that existed are retained and we preserve the unique character of our borough and its 16 conservation areas, the reinstatement of the CAP and the role of conservation officer.
IHBC resources on why planning authorities must have conservation skills
