What Not to Wear…? City Council Roadshow Offers Top Tips for Listed Buildings
Winchester City Council's conservation service is taking to the road to help demystify the rules and regulations surrounding Listed Buildings for local residents. Wednesday 8 February will see the first of the new conservation roadshows which will take place in Alresford at St Gregory's Hall at 7pm.The roadshow is designed to explain how conservation policy works and what it means in practice for those who live or work in New Alresford's lovely conservation area. The event has been planned in consultation with New Alresford Town Council and will include presentations on Alresford's historical background; what the conservation area is and why it is important, and how Listed Buildings are determined and what this means for those who own them. The evening will encourage people to talk to conservation officers before planning works to homes and businesses in the area, and will also explain what enforcement action the City Council is required to take when works are carried out without appropriate consent.
Alresford was judged to be one of the top five market towns in the UK in a recent Country Life competition. Winchester City Council's Head of Cultural Services Eloise Appleby said: "This accolade is a tribute to the householders and businesses who contribute so much to the vibrancy of local community life and day to day care of the environment. But it also reflects the fact that there are a range of conservation policies in place, supported by government requirements and advice, which help to safeguard the best of Alresford's architectural character and streetscapes. We are taking this opportunity to make more information available to local people and to introduce some key officers from the City Council who can help with practical advice and guidance."
Winchester City Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning, Cllr John Beveridge, added:
"The evening will include visual examples of good and bad practice to show how conservation policy works in practice. It is easy to forget how the look of the building you own affects the wider setting, or even the whole street, so we will encourage people to see the bigger picture and to seek advice rather than press ahead with an idea which may spoil the very town they love.
"We are hoping to take this event to other towns in the District such as Bishop's Waltham and Wickham, and are looking forward to hearing the feedback from Alresford's residents on 8 February."
Attendance is free, although numbers are limited by the size of the venue. There is good access for people with mobility disabilities, and parking immediately outside the hall. St Gregory's is on Grange Road, which is the first turn on the right after the railway bridge on Jacklyn's Lane heading in the Cheriton direction. Further information about the event is available from Eloise Appleby on 01962 848 181 or email eappleby@winchester.gov.uk