Module
1 : Planning
Step
1 – Find out what the guidelines say.
For the sake of this educational
exercise we will use the Old Town Hall as an example. The relevant guidelines
seem to be CP14 from the Core Development Plan, DC12 and DC13 from the Local
Development Framework and in force at the time, PPG15 (Planning Policy &
Guidance on Listed Buildings).
CP14 states:
“Development which would involve
the loss, or significant reduction, of an existing public or private community
facility will not normally be permitted. An exception may be made to this policy
only in special circumstances where development would assist the provision of
improved community facilities elsewhere in the locality of the plan area.”
“DC12
d. retains and restores, where relevant,
traditional features … “
“DC12
g. “results, where relevant, in the
removal of unsympathetic features and the restoration of missing features.”
POLICY DC 13
LISTED BUILDINGS
Development affecting a Listed Building or its setting will not be permitted
unless the proposal:
- has
no adverse effect on the special architectural or historic character and
appearance of the building or its setting;
Proposals involving the total or partial demolition of a Listed Building
will not be granted unless it can be demonstrated that;
- its
condition makes it
uneconomical to repair, renovate, or adapt to any
reasonable use; or,
- in
the case of partial demolition it would improve the character and appearance
of the building
or protect features of interest and importance.
“C.8
Walls are the main structural fabric of a building …”
“C.64
Floor surfaces. It is not only marble
floors that are important: all types of paving …. Should be respected”
And also “C58. Interior plans and individual features of interest should be
left unaltered as far as possible.”
“C.20
Parapets and other features: If they
have to be replaced, it should be in facsimile and in the same materials:”
So in this example,
according to the guidelines, the restaurant idea is a non-starter. However ….
Step
2 – Ignore the guidelines and seek some independent advice e.g.
from English Heritage….
"... that the two arches either side of
the main entrance… should not be knocked out to form window openings, as this
would have been deliberate construction to stop people looking in at court
proceedings, and as a feature of the past should remain."
“Looked at in the light of this evolution,
the building is still of considerable significance even though the court
function is no longer discharged there ….”
“The first place I would go for such
an opinion is your own Conversation Officer: she can advise, in conjunction with
the Museum, on how to obtain this information.
In remarking as you do in your letter,
that you have not sought the advice of your Conservation Officer because the
source of the advice could be viewed as not impartial, you depart to an extent
you may not realise from other local authorities in respect of their own
buildings. I am prepared to take the risk of this partiality and am competent to
detect it.”
Step
3 – Ignore the independent advice if it is not agreeing with what you are
pre-determined to do, e.g. turn a community
facility into a restaurant against the terms of the Corporate Plan, guidelines
and the Duke of Norfolk’s expressed wishes. Do not seek the views of your own
Conservation Officer as suggested at the time either, in case she is inclined to
disagree also.
Step
4 – Manipulate Council staff and officers to ignore the relevant advice and
guideline information, and get them to produce a bias report,
one that is highly selective and leaves out all the information that disagrees
with you. Make sure that the Officers’ report also recommends what you want
them to recommend.
Step
5 – Block vote through the report and recommendations
Step
6 – Waste lots of local taxpayers’ money with sub-standard decisions.
Step
7 – When things get really tough in terms of opposition, turn to abusing
procedure.
Here are some useful examples:
Save Horsham Town Hall 
