On 20 April, Alistair Lexden raised a serious local conservation issue in the House of Lords.
In Kensington, London, the views of a vigorous and representative residents’ association are not given the attention they deserve by planning officers. The latter do not normally live in the area, but pay little heed to those who do, frequently in in disregard of authoritative guidance from bodies such as Historic England.
Alistair Lexden argued that planning officers should be required by law to pay special attention to the views of those who live in a conservation area.
He said: “If planning officers wish to substitute their own opinions on what is right for a conservation areas, they should explain clearly and convincingly why they seek to do so and why the views of local residents should not be respected.”
Some action was indicated by the Government. The relevant Lords Minister said: “I understand my noble friend’s concern.” She acknowledged the need for “targeted improvements” in the legislative framework for protecting the historic environment. But the battle to get local residents the strong voice they deserve has by no means been won yet.
