Consultation to add further protection for the historic area of Snowshill.
Posted on: 21 January 2025
Tewkesbury Borough Council is set to begin a period of consultation about additional protections being considered for the architectural beauty of Snowshill.
The enhanced protections would mean that certain changes – such as extensions to properties, alterations to roofs, and porches that are allowed under permitted development rules – could, in future, require planning permission. This change is designated to prevent the erosion of the aesthetic qualities of Snowshill as a historically significant place.
The proposed changes, called an Article Four Direction, are usually brought in by councils in situations where buildings aren’t individually listed but collectively have architectural, cultural or historical significance, and their identity and appearance may be lost to continuous permitted development.
Councillor Mary Jordan, Lead Member for Planning and Place Making, said: “Snowshill is a conservation area and 25 per cent of its buildings are individually listed, but property owners can still make certain changes under permitted development. While new windows or a change of front door may not seem significant, gradually and unwittingly, these can significantly erode the uniquely historical beauty of the town.
“The introduction of this direction will not mean that certain works are prohibited but that it would allow the community to use the planning system to deliver what’s best for the area.”
The period of consultation begins on Monday, 27 January for six weeks until Monday, 10 March 2025. The council will also be holding an in-person drop-in event on 30 January for residents at Snowhshill village hall.
The full consultation details will be available on our website (from Monday, 27 January) Current consultations on planning policy documents – Tewkesbury Borough Council
Snowshill, Gloucestershire, UK
