Demolition in Areas of Townscape Character

The demolition of a building or buildings in an ATC can significantly erode the character, appearance and integrity of such areas. Demolition can be particularly damaging in cases where it is proposed in isolation, that is, where there are no proposals for the redevelopment of the site. The capacity of historic townscapes to absorb change and maintain character is limited. Once a certain threshold has been exceeded it will start to read differently in legibility terms as a different place – it will no longer have a visual cohesiveness, identity or sense of place. Where this threshold has been exceeded or is in danger of being exceeded and the building represents a last visual vestige of a diminishing stock of historic character remaining in, for example, its immediate block or streetscape, it will assume greater importance in terms of contribution to character. In order to prevent demolition damaging the distinctive character and appearance of an ATC, the council will operate a presumption in favour of retaining any building which makes a positive contribution to the character of the area. Where consent is granted for demolition this will normally be conditional on prior agreement for the redevelopment of the site; prohibition of demolition until contracts have been signed for the approved redevelopment of the site; and, where appropriate, the recording of the building before demolition.