Conservation Area Development when L.A. itself is landowner

datostar

I wonder if anyone is knowledgeable about the application of Conservation Area Planning Law to Local Authorities themselves? There is a Sheltered Housing block in my road owned operated by a limited company which is owned by the Borough Council. Recently a grassed area in front of the block, which is in a Conservation Area, has been concreted over and surrounded by a wooden stockade. Evidently this is for the storage of mobility scooters owned by residents and it seems the final plan will include the siting of metal storage shed affairs with hinged lids. I can find no trace whatsoever of any kind of planning application; there was no notification to local residents and no notices displayed before this work started. Frankly, it's a bit of an eyesore and hardly adds anything to the visual amenity of the Conservation Area. Can Local Authorities and their associated 'companies' just do what they like in Conservation Areas? Bit hard on we poor residents who can't even prune trees without a lengthy rigmarole.

datostar

Have got the answer myself. Planning Dept. say it was erected without planning permission by the Housing Company and is now being dismantled. New plans to be submitted for a smaller, less obtrusive affair with a landscaping scheme. Oops!

planning_officer

Short thread! lol I read your first post, and was about to say - sounds like that needs planning permission! And no, a Council can't just do it without permission. Glad it's getting sorted out though!