Issues and Options for the Ipswich Local Plan Review

Comment

Representation ID: 24945

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Historic England

Ideally the strategy should offer a strategic overview including overarching heritage policies to deliver the conservation and enhancement of the environment. A good strategy will offer a positive holistic approach throughout the whole plan whereby the historic environment is considered not just as a stand-alone topic but as an integral part of every aspect of the plan. It will also be spatially specific, unique to the area, describing the local characteristics of the borough and responding accordingly with policies that address the local situation. See original for comments on the approach to site-specific policies also.

Comment

Representation ID: 24946

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Historic England

The local plan process provides a basis for the continued update and management of Conservation Management Plans, identifying each conservation area's local identity and distinctiveness. These should identify features that typify and contribute to this special distinctiveness as well as allow for less tangible judgments of character, quality of place and special distinctiveness. The plan will be more robust where it directs future development to take account of the special, distinctive character of Conservation Areas. Review the conservation area appraisals and boundaries for both Central and Wet Dock as part of the evidence base, and consider using Article 4 directions.

Comment

Representation ID: 24947

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Historic England

We recommend a review of the conservation area appraisals and boundaries for Central and Wet Dock Conservation Areas, to ensure that historic Ipswich is understood and can inform the 21st century Ipswich which is emerging. This would include incorporating the archaeological information coming forward. Once an updated baseline of understanding is established, Article 4 directions could be considered to prevent erosion of character and quality in the conservation areas. We would also welcome provision for any future designation of conservation areas within the Borough as well as specific provision for the landscape setting of different parts of the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 24948

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Historic England

We welcome specific provision for the protection and enhancement of archaeology and emphasis that sites of archaeological importance can occur everywhere. Give clear guidance on expectations for archaeological recording and the submission of records with an appropriate public record for archaeological remains that are not retained in situ. Where suggested sites are located in areas of known archaeological potential, give weight to this as a consideration in site selection. Liaise with the County Archaeologist at site allocation stage. Emphasise in policies and supporting text that the setting of heritage assets should be considered holistically as part of the historic environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 24949

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Historic England

We welcome the forthcoming SPD on archaeology. As mentioned before, the heritage assets (including archaeology) should be integrated into the development of policy for the vacant sites and regeneration areas in Ipswich. Understanding the importance of the remains, particularly in the Waterfront area, should influence the modern design solutions coming forward. As such we particularly recommend a review of the conservation area appraisals and their boundaries for both Central and Wet Dock as part of the evidence base for the new local plan to ensure that historic Ipswich is understood and can inform the 21st century Ipswich which is emerging.

Comment

Representation ID: 24950

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Historic England

As discussed under other questions, the Waterfront area conservation area appraisal and boundary would benefit from a review, particularly in light of the urban archaeological database. This evidence could then inform strategic policies and a masterplan for the area and how it can be reconnected with the town centre.