PROTECTING and maintaining Basingstoke and Deane’s historic environment is important and residents are being asked for their views regarding planning guidance of the borough’s historic environment.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council plays a key role in conserving the borough’s heritage assets, which include conservation areas and listed buildings.

A consultation on the draft Heritage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is now open for people to give their feedback.

The SPD has been prepared by the borough council in its role as the local planning authority, to support the delivery of the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan 2011 to 2029.

The adopted Local Plan identifies the need to proactively manage the borough’s highly-valued historic and built environment in order to protect and enhance its quality and the significant positive contribution it makes to the borough, while also accommodating change.

This guidance document will be important in helping to achieve these objectives.

The draft SPD also contains information about how the council protects the historic environment, such as through its management of conservation areas and identification of locally listed buildings.

Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure at the borough council, Cllr Mark Ruffell, said: “We are very interested in people’s views and we welcome everyone to add their opinions to this consultation, which will run until midday on Monday, 14 January 2019.

“It is important to protect and maintain the borough’s historic environment. It is also crucially important that, where possible, we enhance the pivotal role this plays in contributing positively towards the character of Basingstoke and Deane.”

Once adopted, this document will be an important consideration when determining relevant planning applications and when assessing applications for Listed Building Consent.

The consultation is available to view and comment on by visiting basingstoke.gov.uk/planning-policy-consultations.