The council has invited local businesses and residents to find out how they will be affected by the new rules for the conservation area in Barking town centre.
Two free online workshops will examine the impact of the management plan for the Abbey and Barking Town Centre Conservation Area, which was adopted by the Council in October 2020.
They will look at the latest guidance for Barking’s town centre which outlines the responsibilities of residents and businesses to maintain their buildings appropriately in order to enhance the historic character of the area.
Colin Bannon, Town Heritage Officer, explains: “The conservation area is vitally important in helping us to preserve and enhance Barking’s historic buildings and spaces.
“We are keen to talk to residents and business owners to ensure that any alterations they make to their property are high quality and consistent with the special character of the conservation area.
“Our online workshops will look at the types of issues that must be considered when planning any alteration to homes or premises, ranging from shop fronts and windows, through to satellite dishes and even advice on pigeon deterrents.”
“They are geared towards anyone who has property in the area, but may also be of interest to people with an interest in historic buildings as well as students or professionals in the planning and construction industries locally.”
The workshops take place on 26 January and 2 February, and further details are available here.
The council has issued new guidance for Barking’s town centre residents and businesses, outlining their responsibilities to maintain and enhance the historic character of the town centre.
The move follows the decision by the council to update the boundary of the conservation area and management plan for the Abbey and Barking Town Centre Conservation Area in October, after a public consultation exercise over the summer.
Parts of Barking were included in a conservation area in 1975 in order to protect the heritage of the town centre. The designation means that any changes that take place within the boundary must conserve and enhance the area's special character and appearance.
Colin Bannon, Town Heritage Officer said: “We are proud of our heritage and so we’ve now updated the conservation area to include new buildings and spaces which add to Barking’s special character, and to remove those which no longer contribute.
“We’ve produced the guide for residents and business owners because we are keen to ensure that any alterations they make to their property are high quality and consistent with the special character of the conservation area.”
The guide sets out the types of issues that people within the conservation area must consider when planning any alteration to their homes or premises, ranging from shop fronts and windows, through to satellite dishes and even pigeon deterrents.
A copy of the user guide is currently available online. In the New Year, the council will also be running workshops to explain the guidance for people living and working in the conservation area and to discuss how to look after historic buildings and make changes appropriately, including when planning permission is required.
Residents are being invited to give their views on proposed boundary changes to the Abbey and Barking Town Centre Conservation area and comment on a new appraisal and management plan.
The boundary changes include new buildings and spaces which add to the area’s special character as well as the removal of those which no longer contribute to the conservation area.
Colin Bannon, Town Heritage Officer said: “Barking has an ancient and illustrious history dating back to William the Conqueror. We are proud of our past and want to preserve precious buildings and areas. The current appraisal is over ten years old so it’s time we took another look at it to make sure it’s fit for purpose and for this we need the views of residents.”
The proposed new changes look to include Barking Town Square, removing the run-down 1960s Crown House office block and adding a number of terraced housing and shops along Ripple Road.
Click on this link to see the plans and to give your views.