Sandown Conservation Area Character Appraisal, 2011

The appraisal considered the character of the conservation area identifying what architectural styles and features contribute positively to the character and appearance of the conservation area. It is currently used as a material consideration in the determination of relevant planning applications.

The Application of Planning Policies

The Council will apply its planning, conservationandheritagepoliciesconsistently and thoroughly to ensure that all planning decisions affecting the historic built environment in Sandown preserve or enhance the special character or appearance of the conservation area.

Preventing inappropriate alterations is wholly within the Council’s control and can be addressed by rigorous application of adopted planning policies, backed up by a clear understanding of their purpose, to conserve the special architectural and historic character of the area.

3. Aim of the Conservation Management Plan

The overall aim of the management plan is to take forward the issues raised from the consultation and consider them in the context oflegislation,policyandcommunityinterestto enablethedevelopmentof a planof action for maintaining,enhancingandmakingapositive contribution to the special interest of the conservation area so that it will become selfsustaining into the future.

This management plans seeks to complement the existing national and local planning policies, but also to provide further advice on the management of the Sandown Conservation Area Character Appraisal and proposals that are intended to conserve and/or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area without compromisingthewiderhistoricenvironment.

It includes suggested projects and priorities for action by the Isle of Wight Council and its partners, local stakeholders, property owners, planning agents and architects when considering schemes for refurbishment, alteration of existing buildings or new development.

Historic England added the Sandown Conservation Area to the ‘Heritage at Risk Register’ in October 2019 as a reaction to the level of deterioration, dereliction of land and buildings on the seafront.

This management plan seeks to deliver proactive management of the conservation area giving clarity and robustness to decision making. At the same time, it will form an important step in addressing the ‘at risk’ status, moving toward removal from Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register.

4. Community Involvement

The preparation of this document has been the subject of consultation and engagement with various stakeholders, local amenity groups and residents. A consultation commenced on 24th January until 14th February 2022 and included a questionnaire (see appendix B) to seek the views of those who live, work and visit Sandown; what is positive, negative and suggestions for improvement.

An open meeting ‘Drop-In’ session (Figure 3) was held on 4th February 2022 at Sandown Town Council’s offices and was well attended. Attendees were provided with maps and promptstoassistintheirunderstandingofwhat contributes to the character and identity of a place, a town, the issues and factors that have led to its decline. A total of 72 persons completed questionnaires both online and in person at the ‘drop-in’ event.