Changes made to Radlett South Conservation Area (From Watford Observer)

Changes made to Radlett South Conservation Area

9:00am Sunday 21st October 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig, Features Writer

Changes to a historic part of Radlett which provide greater protection for the town’s architecturally important features have come into force.

Modifications to the Radlett South Conservation Area involve revisions to its boundary and were approved by Hertsmere Borough Councillor Harvey Cohen, portfolio holder for planning and localism, earlier this month.

It follows a review of the area by the Built Environment Advisory and Management Service (BEAMS) and two six-week long consultations held from October to November last year, and from July to September this year.

As part of the boundary changes, five homes in Church Close and two in Christchurch Crescent, which are not of historic interest, have been excluded from the conservation area.

The review also recommended improvements to the street scene at Loom Lane and Cobden Hill junction, using planning powers to prevent changes or additions to buildings which are out of character within the area, and improvements to the setting and appearance of The Cat & Fiddle pub.

The Cat and Fiddle is the oldest building in the south part of Radlett. It was built in the early 18th century and has been a pub since 1878.

A design guide to help with any future development in the conservation area has also been recommended.

Councillor Cohen, Conservative representative, said: “As well as making these immediate changes to the boundary, we will be working with Hertfordshire County Council, the highways authority, Aldenham Parish Council and private landowners to help bring about the other recommendations, which have been put forward in the review.

“We think, and the consultation showed residents agree, that these measures will help preserve and enhance Radlett’s history for future generations.”

More than 250 properties in the town were contacted as part of the consultation process and an exhibition was held at Christchurch in Watling Street.

The borough council has a statutory responsibility to review its conservation areas from time to time.