Decision details

Proposed decision:

To adopt a revised Heritage Conservation Strategy.

Background:

A revised Heritage Conservation Strategy has been prepared following an eight-week public consultation which closed on 13 December 2021.  The draft Strategy follows a report to Cabinet Committee in January 2021 where a draft vision, strategic aims and objectives were all endorsed and a report to Cabinet committee in September 2021 which agreed the consultation draft of the strategy. The draft strategy was informed and reviewed by a Member Working Group.

The revised Heritage Conservation Strategy has incorporated minor amendments based on responses received during the consultation. The public consultation received 2,660 total visits, 1,150 downloads and 277 responses. There was high overall support for the Heritage Conservation Strategy with 94% in favour of the proposed vision and similarly high percentages in favour of most of the Strategic Aims and Objectives

Options (other options considered but discarded):

The option of not preparing a Heritage Conservation Strategy was considered but rejected due to member and senior management support.

How the proposed decision supports the Interim Strategic Plan:

·         Working with Kent Local Planning Authorities to facilitate heritage aspects of growth and infrastructure projects and meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework.

·         Work with partners to deliver the strategy objectives.

Financial Implications

The Kent County Council Heritage Conservation Service has a base revenue budget of £223,500 for the current 2021/22 financial year.  It also has a capital allocation for windmill weatherproofing of £584,000 for 2021/22 - 2023/24.

The Service generates an income of approximately £192,000 in a typical year to deliver a wide range of activities relating to the historic environment. 

One of the objectives (no. 20) supporting the strategic aims is to develop a strategy to systematically review and monitor progress towards greater financial sustainability.

Equalities implications

An Equality Impact Assessment has informed the preparation of the draft Strategy and is included as part of the Background Documents.

As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to adopt the revised Heritage Conservation Strategy.