Council / Public invited to comment on proposals for three conservation areas
SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) is inviting the public to comment on proposals relating to conservation areas in the Lerwick Lanes, Lerwick New Town and Scalloway.
The council, as the local planning authority, is aiming to identify issues that may threaten the special qualities of these conservation areas, to provide guidance to enhance the areas and to help inform planning practice and policy.
Conservation areas are “areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.
The Lerwick Lanes Conservation Area was designated in 1975, recognising its waterfront setting, unusual town plan and notable buildings.
Scalloway Conservation Area was designated in 1982 in recognition of its harbour setting and buildings worthy of preservation, while the Lerwick New Town area – including the mainly residential areas of King Harald Street, St Olaf Street and Burgh Road – was designated in 1986.
The SIC previously carried out appraisals of the three conservation areas in 2010. A recent review has been undertaken to ensure that these three appraisals reflect any changes to the areas, and reflect any changes to planning policy and guidance.
While the council said the appraisals had found there has been “relatively little change in the character and appearance” of the three areas, it added there had been a “noticeable deterioration” in the maintenance and repair of some buildings.
It also said there had been a “notable increase in the use of inappropriate modern details and materials, such as replacement windows and doors”.
No boundary changes to the three areas are proposed, but there are proposals to review how certain buildings works, such as minor extensions, are handled.
It is also proposed to create guidance on a range of relevant topics, such as the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings, including external finishes, information on colours, and the use of paint or limewash finishes.
The public consultation period will run from today (Monday) to Thursday 10 April.
The appraisals and further information can be viewed on the Shetland Islands Council Website here.
There will also be public drop-in sessions at Islesburgh in Lerwick on Monday 24 March from 2pm-7pm, and at Scalloway Youth Centre on Monday 31 March from 2pm-7pm.
Development committee chairman Dennis Leask said the council was keen to hear from anyone with an interest in the three conservation areas.
“The proposals are relevant to residents, as well as businesses and tradespeople who work and provide services in these areas,” he said.
“We want to preserve the character, buildings and appearance of these historic areas for future generations. It’s important that we continue to review our planning policy to help us to do that.”
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