Cellar Hill & Greenstreet Consultation
On this page you'll find the reply from Teynham Parish Council responding to the Cellar Hill & Greenstreet Conservation Area consultation.
18 September 2024
Dear Conservation Team
Cellar Hill & Greenstreet
Conservation Area Consultation
Teynham Parish Council thanks the Conservation Team for their thorough and insightful
review of the Cellar Hill and Greenstreet conservation area.
We offer the following feedback:
Overview — The parish council supports the general themes raised in the review of the
Cellar Hill/Greenstreet. This work helps to protect and preserve the unique heritage of this
area.
Extension of the conservation area — Teynham PC supports the proposed extension of
the conservation area along London Road to Frognal Lane.
This section has notable historic and architectural value that complements the current
conservation area. Expanding the boundary will ensure that the local area is managed and
protected from unsympathetic developments. It will further safeguard the continuity of the
area’s historic identity.
Benefits of Living/Working in a Conservation Area — It would be helpful to explain the
benefits of living in a conservation area from a residents/business owner’s point of view.
For example: Living in a conservation area provides residents with the unique advantage of
preserving the historical and aesthetic integrity of their neighbourhood. This protection often
increases property values due to the area's maintained character. The controlled
development helps prevent unsympathetic changes, ensuring the neighbourhood retains its
charm and architectural significance. These regulations foster a strong community identity,
create a visually appealing environment which contributes to the area's long-term appeal and
cultural significance.
Responsibility when living/working in a conservation area — It appears that the review
does not provide a concise summary of what it means to live in a conservation area or clear
steps for residents to follow.
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Teynham Parish Council
Clarity required for residents and business owners on practical impact of extended
conservation area eg what type of double glazing is acceptable.
A suggestion would be: Residents/Business owners in a conservation area enjoy the
benefits of preserving the historical and architectural character of their neighbourhood.
However, this comes with responsibilities. Any changes to buildings, trees, or boundaries
often require special permissions. Residents should consult the local authority before making
alterations to ensure the changes align with conservation regulations, helping maintain the
area’s unique heritage.
Enforcement — The review highlighted that some alterations to buildings were made
without planning permission, which has affected the area's character. Effective enforcement
is critical, and prioritising enforcement actions, particularly related to heritage, is
emphasised. In addition communication with updates linked to the enforcement is also
important. Enforcement should be applied consistently to all properties in the proposed
extended conservation area.
We support the proposal to implement Article 4 to control changes such as window
replacements, roof changes, or boundary alterations, ensuring they align with the area’s
character .
Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones — Consideration should be given
to Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ) initiative and the sources
of external funding. The scheme aims to revitalise historic high streets by improving the
design of shop fronts and addressing the impact of poorly executed adaptations.
Historic England’s project focuses on improving high street shop fronts that have been
poorly adapted or designed over time. The goal is to enhance the aesthetic and historical
value of these commercial buildings. This involves reviewing and refreshing shop fronts to
ensure they are both visually appealing and in keeping with the historical character of the
high street. The project aims to address issues such as unsightly alterations and design
mismatches, promoting a more cohesive and attractive high street environment. This could
be a significant opportunity for Teynham, Lynsted and Swale as a whole.
Communication — Has this consultation been sent to all the property owners in the
proposed extension area? One resident indicated that they had not received any
communication directly to their address on London Road.
Funding — A local resident enquired if there would be any sources of funding available to
help support improvements in the extended conservation area.
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Pump — The correct name for the
pump is “Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Pump”. Built at the turn of the
20th Century it was rebuilt in 2008 and again in 2016 after demolitions due to car accidents.
The weathervane was extended in 2016 to acknowledge the Diamond Jubilee of Queen
Eliabeth II.
Greenstreet — If the conservation area is extended, would it be appropriate to create two
separate conservation areas?
Street furniture — Consideration should be given to the poor quality street furniture Eg
railings, lamp and sign posts and bus shelters. Small changes can create significant positive
impacts.
Request for update on former barbers — On a related topic, could the Conservation
Team please provide an update to the former barber’s shop (on the junction of Station Road
and London Road, Teynham). We are very concerned about the impact of the conversion of
this property in the conservation area and former shop front.
Teynham Parish Council