Consultation to preserve village's beauty opens

A consultation period for proposed additional protections to preserve the "architectural beauty" of a Cotswold village has opened.

In the future, alterations to properties in Snowshill allowed under permitted development rules, such as roof alterations and double-glazing improvements, may require planning permission.

It is hoped this would "prevent the erosion of the aesthetic qualities of Snowshill as a historically significant place".

Tewkesbury Borough Council opened the consultation period on 27 January and residents have until 10 March to have their say.

The proposed changes, known as an Article Four Direction, are brought in by councils in situations where buildings are not individually listed but collectively have architectural, cultural or historical significance, and their identity may be "lost" to "continuous permitted development".

Mary Jordan, lead member for planning and place making at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: "Snowshill is a conservation area and 25% of its buildings are individually listed, but property owners can still make certain changes under permitted development.

"While new windows or a change of front door may not seem significant, gradually and unwittingly, these can significantly erode the uniquely historical beauty of the town.

"The introduction of this direction will not mean that certain works are prohibited but that it would allow the community to use the planning system to deliver what's best for the area."

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