Issue details

Proposed decision – Agree Amendments to the Heritage Conservation Strategy and delegate authority to review, refresh and/or make revisions to the strategy on an annual basis where changes do not require additional governance, to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport, or another Officer as required by the Corporate Director.

Reason for the decision

The update is required primarily to reflect the Executive Decision taken on 2 August 2024, which directed KCC to divest its windmills in a way that secures their sustainable future as community assets. This change is central to the revised strategy and responds to the need to reduce long-term financial obligations while working with communities and volunteers committed to heritage preservation.

In addition, the updated strategy incorporates other significant changes, including compliance with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 requirement for the County Council to maintain a Historic Environment Record, and alignment with current corporate priorities following the rescinding of the previous climate change emergency declaration.

These updates ensure the strategy remains legally compliant, financially sustainable, and aligned with KCC’s strategic objectives for heritage management.

Background

The 2^nd August 2024 Executive Decision stated:

1.         KCC should seek to divest itself of the windmills it currently owns by a method that ensures that the windmills have a sustainable future in which they are appropriately cared for and maintained as community assets, and that

2.         The Heritage Conservation Strategy is updated to this effect.

The new and revised objectives covering this area are

Objective 6: KCC should seek to divest itself of the windmills it currently owns by a method that ensures that the windmills have a sustainable future in which they are appropriately cared for and maintained as community assets.

 Objective 7:  For any windmills remaining in KCC ownership and management, follow a management approach so that:

i) Mills capable of milling flour (Drapers Mill, Margate, and Cranbrook Mill) remain able to do so.

ii) The weatherproofing programme will be undertaken as needed on a rolling cycle.

iii) Static mills will be returned to visual completeness subject to funding

iv) Static mills will be made active wherever possible.

Objective 8: Strengthen support for windmill volunteer groups and other interested parties during the divestment process

In addition, the Strategy has been updated to include the requirement for the county council as relevant authority to maintain a Historic Environment Record for its area as set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 and to take account of KCC’s rescinding of the previous declaration of a climate change emergency.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Not updating the Heritage Conservation Strategy was considered but rejected due to strong support from members and senior management and the need to align with the Executive Decision

How the proposed decision supports the Strategic Statement – Reforming Kent:

• Supports the objective to build better communities and protecting our heritage by. .
  • Working with Kent Local Planning Authorities to facilitate heritage aspects of growth and infrastructure projects and meet the requirements of the NPPF and LURA 2023.
  • Contributing to KCC’s action to address adaptation to a changing climate.
  • Contributing to the creation of high quality, sustainable development and placemaking within Kent’s communities.