Church Stretton Town Design Statement
Town Design Statement published
It is a great achievement to have the Church Stretton Town Design Statement finally published – an achievement shared by many people. The project started with a presentation and launch event in April 2005 and since then many people have been involved with the process of collecting and recording information, contributing ideas and opinions, writing sections of the document and taking photographs. Regular meetings have been held throughout the whole period. There have been opportunities for consultation which led to many modifications and improvements, and finally, to a very comprehensive document. As well as the input from local volunteers the on-going support of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, South Shropshire District Council and others, has meant that the Design Statement is a professional and authoritative document. It has been approved by both the Town Council and the District Council and will be used as a “material consideration” in determining the design of future planning proposals in Church Stretton.
On January 22nd there will be a celebration event at the Silvester Horne Institute for all the people who have been involved with the project. We are delighted to welcome Sir Neil Cossons, until recently Chair of English Heritage, who will give a talk about the importance of design and Councillor Cecilia Motley, Leader and Design Champion of SSDC, who will also speak at this evening event.
The Town Design Statement can be viewed and downloaded from the Church Stretton website and from the District Council’s website. [Click here to download.] Copies are also available for sale from the Town Council office priced £8.00. The printing costs have been met by grants from the Town Council, District Council, AONB Partnership and the Church Stretton Area Partnership.
Although the Design Statement publication is complete, the work to improve and conserve the special features of the town will carry on. There are many recommendations within the Design Statement – such as forming a Design Forum and establishing an award scheme to encourage and foster good quality development, improving the street furniture, signs and footways in the town centre, and creating a Tree Group – that could be implemented by individuals and organisations working together. Some of the suggestions are dependent upon resources being available. It is recognised that statutory bodies have a crucial role to play, but so do local amenity groups and individuals. We can all insist on high quality design and consider how development impacts on the character and environment of the town. Church Stretton is special – let’s keep it that way.
[Click here to download a copy of the Design Statement.]
Hilary Hymas
Chair, Town Design Statement Goup
The Church Stretton Town Design Statement is supported by:
Church Stretton Town Council, the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, South Shropshire District Council and the Church Stretton Area Partnership.
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