The views of residents and local organisations are being sought by St Albans City and District Council on a draft document which defines the character and appearance of St Albans Conservation Area.

The document – the Conservation Area Character Statement for St Albans – is available on the homepage of the Council’s website at: http://www.stalbans.gov.uk , listed under the ‘Engage with us’ section. For those without internet access, hard copies are also available to view at the Council Offices or at St Albans Central Library, The Maltings, Chequer Street, St Albans.

Conservation Areas are areas that are considered by the Council to be of ‘special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’.

In accordance with planning guidance, The Council has produced or is drawing up Conservation Area Character Statements for all 18 conservation areas in the District.

The Conservation Area Character Statement for St Albans explains why the area has been designated with this status. It defines the elements that make the area special and which need to be preserved and enhanced and also explains how the area developed historically.

Comments on the St Albans Area Character Statement can be submitted:
·        electronically via the Council’s website
·        by letter
·        on a comments sheet, which is available to download from the website or from reception at the Council’s offices.

Letters and comments sheets should be sent to The Conservation and Design Team, Department of Planning and Building Control, St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peters Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3JE.

Responses need to be returned by 29 October 2010. The comments will be considered by the Council when finalising the Character Statement.