The Head of Planning and Regulatory Services has submitted a report to seek approval for, and adoption of, the Central (City & University) Conservation Area Appraisal, enabling the document to be used to inform the decision making process for Development Management and to form an evidence base to inform Planning Policy.

Please note that Appendices 1 – 3 will be published as a separate supplement.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.      Adopt the Central (City & University) Conservation Area Appraisal; and

2.      Endorse the adopted Conservation Area Appraisal for use in informing development management decisions and as part of the evidence base for planning policy decisions.

The Head of Planning and Regulatory Services had submitted a report to seek approval for, and adoption of, the Central (City & University) Conservation Area Appraisal, enabling the document to be used to inform the decision-making process for development management and to form an evidence base to inform planning policy.

Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Healthier Communities, reported that the conservation area had originally been designated in the 1970s, and represented a part of the city which was thought to be the most densely packed with historic buildings.  The Area Appraisal was a very detailed document which included 9 character zones, ranging from the University Science Area to areas such as Oxford Castle.  It would be a very useful guide for developers and those wishing to build or alter buildings within the Conservation Area, as well as for the planning authority when determining planning applications.  An extensive consultation process had taken place during its development, which had resulted in the boundary being extended to include the St Thomas’ and University Science Area. 

It was highlighted that the purpose of the Conservation Area Appraisal was not to constrain development, but rather to allow and foster positive change.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.      Adopt the Central (City & University) Conservation Area Appraisal; and

2.      Endorse the adopted Conservation Area Appraisal for use in informing development management decisions and as part of the evidence base for planning policy decisions.