HERALD readers have been invited to get involved in decisions made about Alton Conservation Area.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) is revising and updating its guidance on planning rules in the town centre, which was originally designated a conservation area in 1970. The area covered was then enlarged in 1982.

The “very basic” existing guidance dates from 1996 and and a review is regarded as “long overdue” by conservationists, so EHDC has commissioned a renewed character appraisal and management plan that will describe the importance of the area and offer guidance on how to protect and enhance it. The consultation draft of this document is now available to viewat www.easthants.gov.uk/con

servation-areas and in hard copy at Alton Town Hall.

In a bid to give residents an opportunity to flag up what makes Alton special for them, EHDC is inviting residents who have an interest in the background, buildings, distinct features and landscape of the town to read through the document and suggest any changes or additions. A conservation area is defined as “an area with special historical and architectural character worthy of protection”.

Conservation areas recognise the unique quality of an area as a whole, not just the contribution of individual buildings and monuments, but of other features, including (but not limited to) topography, materials, spatial relationships, thoroughfares, street furniture, open spaces and landscaping. These all contribute to the character and appearance of an area, resulting in a distinctive sense of place.

The purpose of the character appraisal and management plan is to record and analyse the special interest of the conservation area; to recognise the heritage assets in the area; identify issues relating to condition and detracting features, and opportunities for enhancement; and to set out a plan of action with guidance and recommendations for the management, preservation and enhancement of the conservation area.

The boundary of the town’s conservation area is also being reviewed and revised as part of the updated plan. It has been recognised that boundaries were often previously drawn either too tightly or too loosely, so it is important that they are amended to include only buildings that contribute to the character of the area.

Angela Glass, EHDC portfolio holder for planning, said: “This is a great opportunity for the residents and businesses of Alton to have their say on the future of their town.

“The document is extremely important as it sets out an action plan with guidance and recommendations for the positive management, preservation and enhancement of this beautiful town.”

The Alton Society, which is urging residents to get involved, is working hard to provide a comprehensive response to the consultation, as it says that it can build on and enhance the work carried out on Alton’s neighbourhood plan.