Grafton Area of Major Change SPD 2017

2.4.9 bullet point 2 needs re-wording. As it currently is drafted it suggests you are protecting houses from enhancements. Please re-order, placing the protection houses clause last to read:
'Enhance surrounding residential streets: care of trees, enhancements to the public realm and protecting houses from inappropriate development'

2.4.15 Need to mention the grade II* Arts Theatre Workshop and Store on Newmarket Road. It would be helpful to mention that the remainder of the listed buildings in the area are all grade II listed.

2.4.16 Please insert non-designated before heritage assets.

2.4.18/Figure 15. This figure helpfully shows a number of landmarks. We would suggest that Eden Hall (the old Eden Chapel) number 17 Fitzroy Street are also landmark buildings and should be shown on figure 15.

2.4.18/Figure 15. This figure helpfully shows a number of landmarks. We would suggest that Eden Hall (the old Eden Chapel) number 17 Fitzroy Street are also landmark buildings and should be shown on figure 15.

2.5.1 There may be opportunities for greater connectivity and permeability.

2.5.3 Consideration of streetscape, particularly given the issues of connectivity and traffic management is an area for consideration. For streetscape improvements we would refer you to the Streets for All publications which are currently out for consultation: https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/streets-for-all/. These documents provide updated practical advice for anyone involved in planning and implementing highways and other public realm works in sensitive historic locations. It sets out means to improve public spaces without harming their valued character, including specific recommendations for works to surfaces, street furniture, new equipment, traffic management infrastructure and environmental improvements.
The advice draws on the experience of Historic England's planning teams in the development of highways and public realm schemes. Case studies show where highways works and other public realm schemes have successfully integrated with and enhanced areas of historic or architectural sensitivity.
Please also see our advice for highways engineers and designers: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/caring-for-heritage/streets-for-all/highway-engineers-and-designers/.

2.5.5 The retention of original/historic or significant shopfronts elements are often integral to the character of these buildings and that of the wider street scene. The SPD should highlight the importance of retaining or restoring historic shopfront features. This is both in terms of the positive contribution historic shopfronts make to the character of an area, but also the economic benefit of providing traditional and bespoke shopping units to shopowners. A good example of how historic shopfronts can positively contribute to an area both aesthetically and economically is where Derby City Council teamed up with English Heritage (now Historic England) to help restore an area of Victorian and Edwardian shops, the Strand. The restoration of a number of shops within the area has meant that a previously underused section of the city provides bespoke shopping, now sees a much larger footfall and is considered to be a National success. The council have also seen a ripple effect of surrounding properties being restored.

2.5.6 We suggest an additional bullet point to include Donkey Common.

2.5.7 We welcome paragraph 2.5.7.