4.1.1 The Borough Council has adopted the following Local Plan aims with regard to the built and cultural environment:

(i) to protect resources of historical, architectural and cultural importance;

(ii) to conserve and enhance other areas and buildings identified as having a special character worthy of protection, including important open areas;

(iii) to ensure a high quality of new development in the Borough;

(iv) to ensure that development is designed to reduce or eliminate crime.

4.2.1 The Borough Council places great importance on the conservation of the cultural heritage both as a record of the evolution of the area and also, for most resources, for their positive contribution to the character of the local environment. The cultural heritage includes Listed Buildings, Ancient Monuments, Conservation Areas, Historic Parks and Gardens and other areas whose character has been formed by man, which make a special contribution to the character and appearance of the Borough. The principles of sustainability have been adopted by the Borough Council and are embodied in Policy P2/1. This chapter contains a number of area specific and subject specific policies relating to the built and cultural environment. The relationship between these policies and sustainability objectives is described in detail in Section 2.3.

4.2.2 Government advice states that local plans should not duplicate controls implemented through other legislation. However plans can include policies for works of demolition, change of use or alteration to listed buildings which could affect the local planning authority's decision on a related application for planning permission. Policy P4/1 therefore provides a comprehensive context for considering proposals which may affect Listed Buildings.

4.2.3 Works to Listed Buildings such as demolition, extensions and alterations, require specific Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. PPG15 states that the demolition of any Grade I or II* Listed Building should be wholly exceptional and should require the strongest justification. Indeed, total or substantial demolition of any Listed Building will not be permitted without clear and convincing evidence that all reasonable efforts have been made to secure the future of the building. Consent for demolition should not be sought simply because redevelopment is economically more attractive than repair and reuse of the historic building. The tests set out in PPG15 for considering any proposals for total or substantial demolition of a listed building are applied by the Borough Council in determining listed building consent applications. These are summarised in Policy P4/1.

4.2.4 Government advice recognises that keeping Listed Buildings in active use is generally the best way of securing their upkeep. It states that a flexible approach to proposals for the change of use of a Listed Building may need to be taken in order to secure the future of the building. Whilst the original use may be the best use, this may not always be the case if, in the case of a commercial use for example, working methods have changed significantly. The optimum use of a listed building may not necessarily be the most profitable use, if that would entail more destructive alterations than other viable uses. The aim should be to identify the optimum viable use that is compatible with the fabric, interior and setting of the historic building.

4.2.5 Structure Plan Policy ENV19 provides for changes of use which would offer the best means of conserving the character, appearance, fabric, integrity and setting of Listed Buildings. The Borough Council will ensure through the implementation of its planning powers in the control of development, that any alterations, extensions and changes of use to a Listed Building are sympathetic to the architectural style, quality and character of the building and that development adjacent to a Listed Building does not harm its setting.

POLICY P4/1

In the consideration of proposals affecting Listed Buildings:

(1) development involving the extension or alteration of a Listed Building, or any feature of special architectural or historic interest, will not be permitted unless it would preserve the building and/or any special features which contribute to the reasons for its listing;

(2) a change of use of part of, or the whole of, a Listed Building will only be granted permission if the character and features of special architectural or historic interest are preserved or enhanced;

(3) proposals which would adversely affect the setting of a Listed Building will not be permitted;

(4) the Borough Council will require sufficient detail to assess the impact of the proposed development and outline applications will not normally be acceptable.

There will be a presumption in favour of the preservation of Listed Buildings. Proposals involving the total or substantial demolition of a Listed Building will be considered in the light of the architectural or historic merit of the building, the cost of repair in relation to the importance of the building, the setting of the building and its contribution to the local environment, and the merits of alternative proposals for the site (including whether there are substantial community benefits which decisively outweigh the loss of the building). Proposals must also provide clear and convincing evidence that all reasonable efforts have been made to retain the building in use.

4.2.6 The Borough is rich in archaeological remains. There are currently 24 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the Borough which are shown on the Proposals Map. The owner of a Scheduled Ancient Monument is responsible for the protection of that monument, although the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that its treatment, repair or use is compatible with its preservation as a monument. Anyone wishing to undertake works including farming operations, which would have the effect of demolishing, destroying, damaging, removing, repairing, altering, adding to, flooding, or covering up a scheduled monument must first obtain from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 'Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent'. The execution of such works without the necessary consent is a criminal offence.

4.2.7 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other monuments of national importance form a key part of the nation’s heritage which are irreplaceable. The Borough Council will therefore refuse applications for development where it considers that the proposals affect such a site or its setting. Not all important sites are scheduled and it is recognised that the nature of archaeological evidence is such that there may be important sites waiting to be discovered. The following policy will therefore apply to Scheduled Ancient Monuments, including any which are scheduled during the Plan period, and to other sites of national importance.

POLICY P4/2

Development which would adversely affect a Scheduled Ancient Monument or other nationally important archaeological site or its setting will not be permitted. This Policy applies to the Scheduled Ancient Monuments shown on the Proposals Map, to any which are scheduled during the Plan period, and to any other monuments which are determined to be of national importance.

4.2.8 Non-scheduled archaeological sites of regional or local importance demonstrate the evolution of human settlement in the locality and are a finite and non-renewable resource which should be valued. A number of 'Areas of Archaeological Potential' have been identified by Kent County Council in connection with its Sites and Monuments Records. These will be revised as new information becomes available. If development is proposed within these areas, specific consideration will need to be given to the archaeological implications of the proposal. As a matter of principle it is preferable, wherever possible, to avoid archaeological disturbance and to ensure that the potential impact of development is mitigated through, for example, suitable designs and foundations. Where the balance is in favour of granting permission for development which involves the destruction of the archaeological remains, a programme of archaeological investigation and recording will be secured before the development proceeds.

POLICY P4/3

Where development is proposed on a site of archaeological significance, there will be a preference for mitigation of adverse impact by modifying the proposal to secure physical preservation. Where the balance of other factors is in favour of granting permission for destructive development, arrangements must be made by the developer to ensure that time and resources are available to allow appropriate and satisfactory archaeological investigation and recording to take place by an approved archaeological body in advance of, or during development. The Borough Council may impose conditions on a planning permission or seek a Section 106 agreement to secure appropriate investigation, the details of which must be submitted to and approved by the Borough Council.

4.2.9 Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. They are subject to primary legislation, as defined in Part II of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, which must be fulfilled through the day to day control of development. There is also a specific requirement to obtain Conservation Area Consent for such works as demolition, or part demolition, of unlisted buildings and to notify the Council regarding certain works to trees. The Borough Council has recently completed a comprehensive review of Conservation Areas and it is not anticipated that there will be a need for a further reassessment prior to the next review of the Local Plan.

4.2.10 Each Conservation Area has its own unique character which gives it the special architectural or historic interest for which it was designated. In considering proposals for development, it is important to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the individual Conservation Area concerned, in order to ensure that any proposals will not harm the aspects which make up that special character. The Borough Council will carry out schemes for the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas through its Capital Plan as appropriate. Conservation Areas vary in the need for enhancement and indeed in some areas, particularly small rural areas and country estates, it is important not to urbanise their character. Conservation Area Appraisals, which define the special character of a Conservation Area, exist for a number of the Borough’s Conservation Areas. It is intended that a comprehensive set of Conservation Area Appraisals will be prepared in due course.

POLICY P4/4

Within designated Conservation Areas, as shown on the Proposals Map, or any which may be designated during the Plan period:

(1) the applicant will be required to demonstrate that a proposed development will preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area;

(2) any development which would prejudice the overall character and integrity of the area will not be permitted;

(3) all development should be sympathetic in scale and character with the area generally, and particularly with adjoining buildings and building groups, and must have regard to such matters as height, form, massing, the traditional pattern of frontages, vertical or horizontal emphasis, detailed design, materials, colour and boundary treatment;

(4) alterations and extensions to existing buildings should use traditional materials which match or reflect those used on the original building;

(5) development proposals should include landscaping schemes appropriate to the location, and existing trees should normally be retained and supplemented, using native species where appropriate;

(6) proposals should not result in the loss of hedges, walls and other means of enclosure which make an important contribution to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area;

(7) the floorscape around buildings and the wider street scene should be carefully designed and detailed to a high quality using appropriate street furniture and traditional materials, to ensure it is compatible with the architectural or historic character of the Conservation Area.

Proposals for land which adjoins a Conservation Area should respect the setting of the Conservation Area and views into or out of it.

4.2.11 The appropriateness of a development proposal and the impact which it would have on the character or appearance of a Conservation Area can often only be properly assessed in the context of a full planning application which shows the detailed siting, design and materials to be used for the proposed building. The Borough Council will consider each proposal for development within a Conservation Area to assess whether or not it can be properly judged in the absence of a fully detailed scheme comprising plans, elevations and drawings, which show a new development in its setting. If deemed necessary, the Authority will make Directions requiring the submission of a detailed proposal. A similar assessment will be made in respect of sites outside the Conservation Area where the development affects the setting of the Area or views into, or from, it.

4.2.12 The demolition of most buildings in Conservation Areas requires specific Conservation Area Consent. Unlisted buildings within a Conservation Area can often make a positive contribution towards the special character of the area. In considering such applications the Borough Council will assess the contribution which the building makes to the character or appearance of the area. The general presumption is in favour of retaining buildings which make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a Conservation Area. Proposals to demolish such buildings will be assessed, against the same broad criteria as proposals to demolish Listed Buildings.

4.2.13 Where the building makes limited or no such contribution, it is appropriate that the Borough Council has regard to what is proposed for the site at the same time as considering demolition of the existing building in order that the full impact of proposals for the site on the character or appearance of the Conservation Area can be properly assessed. Where consent for demolition is granted, the Borough Council will impose conditions, where appropriate, preventing the demolition of the building in advance of the letting of a contract for the redevelopment of the site concerned in order to protect the character of the Conservation Area.

POLICY P4/5

The Borough Council will seek to retain buildings which make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a Conservation Area. Conservation Area Consent applications for the demolition of a building within a Conservation Area will be considered in the light of the part played in the architectural or historic interest of the area by the building for which demolition is proposed, together with detailed information about what is proposed for the site after demolition, including a full planning application where replacement buildings are proposed.

4.2.14 Historic Parks and Gardens are important records of traditional landscape and planting designs and form part of the nation’s cultural heritage. Historic Parks and Gardens of national interest are defined in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest prepared by English Heritage. PPG15 states that registered gardens should be protected through development plans and determining planning applications and that the effect of proposed development on a registered park or garden or its setting is a material planning consideration. In addition to the national register, Kent County Council and the Kent Gardens Trust have jointly prepared a Compendium of Gardens of Historic Significance. The majority of the historic gardens in the Borough are included in the Compendium.

4.2.15 In Tonbridge and Malling Borough, there are a significant number of historic parklands, many associated with important country houses. A number of the gardens are also, in whole or in part, within designated Conservation Areas due to their contribution to the architectural or historic interest of the area concerned. There is an identifiable band of Historic Parks and Gardens crossing the Borough from east to west from Fairhill at Hildenborough to Mereworth Castle which individually and collectively make a major contribution to the character of the landscape in the locality. Historic Parks and Gardens may be characterised by formal garden design and features and/or by more informal managed parklands around a substantial house. Structure Plan Policy ENV2 affords protection to landscape features of historic interest. The following policy will apply:

POLICY P4/6

Development will not be permitted where it would harm the overall character, integrity or setting of the Historic Parks and Gardens, as defined on the Proposals Map.

4.2.16 There are parts of the Borough which are not of sufficient importance to justify Conservation Area status, but nonetheless are considered by the Borough Council to have an historic character worthy of protection. This may be due either to the character and quality of buildings, or their relationship with each other or with open areas. It is desirable to conserve this special historic character for the benefit of local amenity and as an important part of the heritage of the Borough.

POLICY P4/7

Within the following Areas of Historic Character, as defined on the Proposals Map, the Borough Council will wish to be satisfied that any proposals for development or redevelopment respect the special historic character of the area as set out below:

(a) Quarry Hill, Borough Green: characterised by historic properties, including a number of Listed Buildings, with a close-knit built form set around a triangular road pattern, comprising the original historic core of the now expanded settlement of Borough Green;

(b) Windmill Hill, Wrotham Heath: a linear development of small, terraced cottages of historic character, constructed in distinctive local materials;

(c) Plaxtol Spoute: the character of the area is dominated by Spout House, Long Mill Lane, an important 15th Century timber-framed hall house (Listed Grade II*) which forms a group with a number of other attractive buildings set around a village green;

(d) Herne Pound, Mereworth: a group of historic properties set around a triangular junction at the top of a narrow rural lane which forms an attractive vista when approaching from the south.

4.3.1 There are two areas of low density development within the countryside which are recognised by the Borough Council as being of special character: Ightham Common/Ivy Hatch and Staddles Wood, Borough Green. These are areas of very low density residential development scattered within extensive, wooded settings. The extent of urban intrusion is mitigated by the wooded surroundings which reduce the impact of development on the landscape. Due to the unconsolidated nature of the existing development, these areas are not defined as villages to which Structure Plan Policies RS2 or RS3 apply since such an approach could lead to an undesirable change in the character of the areas by providing for minor development or redevelopment such as infilling and a more intensive pattern of development, to the detriment of the rural woodland character. They are therefore regarded as areas of low density housing within the countryside where Green Belt policy applies.

4.3.2 In the case of Ightham Common/Ivy Hatch, the area is also within the Special Landscape Area. Staddles Wood lies within an Area of Local Landscape Importance and forms part of the Green Wedge separating Borough Green from Platt. As a result, there is a strong presumption in both these areas against any development other than the acceptable rebuilding of, or a modest extension to, an existing dwelling. Unless there are very special circumstances within the terms of Green Belt policy, there should therefore be no new development, infill or subdivision of plots within these areas. It is particularly important that the more extensive undeveloped areas of woodland and open space within the Ightham Common/Ivy Hatch area are retained without urban intrusion. The following built environment policy applies to any development which may be justified within the terms of Structure Plan Policies RS5 and MGB3 and the landscape policies applying to these areas, and seeks to ensure that any such development respects the special character of the areas.

POLICY P4/8

Within Areas of Special Character, as defined on the Proposals Map, development which is exceptionally justified will only be permitted where:

(1) the scale and density of the proposed development is compatible with the residential character of the area;

(2) any development is designed and located so as to minimise or reduce its impact on the woodland setting; and

(3) appropriate boundary treatment and additional tree planting is provided, particularly along road frontages, to maintain or enhance the woodland character of the area.

The loss of currently undeveloped woodland areas will not be permitted.

4.3.3 There are some areas of residential development within the built-up areas which have a special environmental character due to a relatively low density form of development, comprising mainly bigger properties in large gardens, often with many trees. Structure Plan Policy ENV16 seeks a balance between making the best use of land in built-up areas whilst maintaining and, where possible, improving environmental quality. The quality of residential amenity created by areas of low density development should be protected through the control of development, particularly infill and backland development, which if allowed on an incremental basis would erode the special character over time. Any such areas within Conservation Areas are protected through Policy P4/4. The following policy therefore applies to identified low density residential areas not within Conservation Areas.

POLICY P4/9

In Low Density Residential Areas, as defined on the Proposals Map, development or redevelopment will not be permitted where it would, either individually or when taken cumulatively with other new development, damage the character and amenity of the established residential area or rural settlement in terms of the density of built development, the mass, scale, form and design of the proposed development and its relationship with adjacent properties.

4.3.4 Whilst the principle of concentrating the majority of new development within built up areas assists in conserving the open countryside, it is important to balance the need for development with the interests of conservation of the built environment. The green spaces within towns and villages are often as important as the built development in giving an area its own special character. Those green spaces which are of particular value in terms of their contribution to the character and amenity of the local environment are identified as Important Green Spaces.
Should the loss of any part of an identified area exceptionally be permitted, the Borough Council would require treatment of the remaining green space to improve and enhance the character and amenity value of the area.

POLICY P4/10

Permission will not be given for any development within or adjoining Important Green Spaces, as shown on the Proposals Map, unless the need for the development is overriding and proposals would not adversely affect the contribution which the spaces make to the character and quality of the townscape. Where development may exceptionally be justified which results in the loss of part of an Important Green Space, the Borough Council will, where appropriate and practicable, require enhancements to the retained area to compensate for that loss.

4.4 Quality of the Built Environment

Quality of New Development

4.4.1 The quality of the built environment has a significant effect on the way an area is perceived by residents, businesses and visitors. A high quality environment will itself promote investment in an area and may engender a greater sense of pride and 'ownership' which is self-reinforcing. All new development for whatever use has an impact on the character and appearance of an area. The Structure Plan seeks the conservation and enhancement of the character, quality and functioning of the built environment through Policy ENV15, whilst within the rural area, Structure Plan Policy RS1 requires all development to preserve and, as far as possible, enhance the character, amenity and functioning of the countryside and be compatible with the purposes and functioning of the Green Belt. Policy RS1 also applies to agricultural buildings (where they require planning permission) in order to minimise any adverse impact of such development on the character of the countryside and rural amenity.

4.4.2 The Borough Council therefore considers it important that all proposals for development are sensitively designed having regard to, and where possible improving, the quality of the local environment. The criteria in Policy P4/11 will also be applied by the Borough Council in considering applications for prior approval for agricultural buildings under the terms of the General Permitted Development Order. Copies of Kent County Council’s guide 'Kent Design' and the Building Research Establishment’s 'Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: A Guide to Good Practice' are available to view at the offices of the Borough Council.

POLICY P4/11

Development proposals, including alterations and extensions to residential properties, must not harm the particular character and quality of the local environment, and wherever possible should make a positive contribution towards the enhancement of the area. Proposals will only be permitted where the development:

(1) is appropriate in terms of density, scale, layout, siting, mass, form, height, and in terms of the impact on adjacent buildings and land, the surrounding area, the skyline and distant views;

(2) is of a high quality in terms of design, detailing and the use of appropriate materials;

(3) has regard to the principles contained in Kent County Council’s 'Kent Design';

(4) has regard to the Building Research Establishment's 'Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight: A Guide to Good Practice';

(5) provides for adequate personal and vehicle security, including providing for natural surveillance through site layout and the design of buildings, car parking, open spaces, access roads, cycleways and footpaths, lighting (subject to Policy P3/18), landscaping and boundary treatment;

(6) includes landscaping proposals and amenity areas as appropriate.

4.4.3 Extensions to dwellings can have a significant visual impact in terms of the design and proportions of the building itself and the way it is seen in the street scene. They can also have adverse effects on the amenity of adjoining dwellings in terms of loss of light and privacy and from overlooking and overshadowing of gardens. Extensions must therefore be carefully designed in order to ensure that any impacts are minimised. Policy P4/12 includes general criteria for considering proposals for residential extensions, which are set out below, and also more detailed design criteria which are contained in Policy Annex PA4/12. The Policy Annex forms part of the policy.

POLICY P4/12

Extensions to residential properties will not be permitted if they would result in an adverse impact on:

(1) the character of the building or the street scene in terms of form, scale, design, materials and existing trees;

(2) residential amenity of neighbouring properties in terms of light and privacy, and overlooking of garden areas.

Permission will only be granted for proposals which meet the design criteria contained in Policy Annex PA4/12. Adequate car parking provision, in accordance with Policy P7/18, and satisfactory vehicle access and manoeuvring areas will be required.

4.4.4 Shopfronts have a major impact on the character of an area since they are at ground floor level and they are the part of the building most seen both by pedestrians and from passing vehicles. It is important that traditional shopfronts are retained and that new or altered shopfronts are designed to be in keeping with the building as a whole and also those adjacent. It is particularly important that shopfront proposals for Listed Buildings or buildings within Conservation Areas are designed with traditional proportions, materials and details to reflect and respect the special architectural and historic character of the building itself and the wider area. Policy P4/13 includes general criteria for considering shopfront proposals and also more detailed design criteria which are contained in Policy Annex PA4/13. The Policy Annex forms part of the policy.

POLICY P4/13

1. Proposals for new shopfronts or alterations to existing ones should respect the character, proportions, period and design of the individual building, of adjacent buildings, and of the wider area, with particular regard to detailing of fascias, windows and doors, use of materials and form of any illumination. Permission will only be granted for proposals which meet the design criteria contained in Policy Annex PA4/13.

2. Proposals for shopfronts to Listed Buildings or buildings within Conservation Areas should be designed with traditional proportions, details and materials to preserve the special architectural and historic character of the building, its setting and the wider area. Proposals for Listed Buildings must also be in accordance with the provisions of Policy P4/1. Proposals for buildings within Conservation Areas must accord with the provisions of Policy P4/4.

4.4.5 The River Medway, the River Bourne and their tributaries are important features of the Plan area. There is less commercial activity on the rivers than historically (see Policy P7/11) and their amenity, nature conservation and recreational value has not yet been fully realised (see also Chapters 3, 7 and 8). There is a strong visual relationship between a river and any development sited adjacent to it. Such development is often prominent from the water, from riverside footpaths, and in longer distance views across the water from the opposite river bank. Any new development adjacent to rivers should therefore respect its sensitive location and should aim to improve the overall appearance of the riverside through the design of the building itself and also with hard and soft landscaping of the site. This is particularly important where the river runs through or beside a Conservation Area as is the case in Tonbridge, Wateringbury and Aylesford.

POLICY P4/14

In considering proposals for riverside development, the Borough Council will require a particularly high standard of building design and hard and soft landscaping, especially within or adjoining Conservation Areas, in order to protect and enhance visual amenity.

4.4.6 The Borough Council operates a kerb-side collection arrangement for 'wheelie' bins for domestic properties and larger scale containers for commercial units. Developments need to make adequate provision for refuse storage and collection in order to ensure minimum visual intrusion of refuse in the street scene and ensure ease of collection. Design Bulletin 32: Residential Roads and Footpaths (Department of Environment/Department of Transport) recommends that domestic refuse storage is never more than about 25 metres from the point of vehicle collection. This is reinforced in the County Council’s publication ‘Kent Design’.

4.4.7 Recycling of waste is increasing as part of a wider awareness of environmental matters. The Council’s Environmental Strategy puts the emphasis first on waste minimisation, then on recycling and lastly on waste disposal. In order to facilitate and foster this trend, recycling facilities need to be made readily available to the public in places they regularly visit, such as supermarkets, retail warehouses and garden centres. This will also promote combined trips which will not require additional journeys by car.

POLICY P4/15

1. Development proposals will only be permitted where the layout and design makes adequate provision for refuse collection. Residential developments should provide either adequate side access, storage cupboards at the front of properties, or rear servicing facilities acceptable to the refuse collection operators, with a carry distance (ie. the distance which the bin has to be moved from its collection point to the public highway) not exceeding 25 metres. In commercial and other non-residential developments, provision should be made for larger containers in appropriate locations readily accessible to collection vehicles and screened from public view.

2. New major retail and garden centre developments should include provision for recycling facilities. Elsewhere additional facilities will be sought where appropriate.

4.4.8 The Borough Council is committed to carrying out, or contributing towards, environmental improvements to enhance the character and appearance of the Borough. Environmental enhancement schemes generally incorporate measures such as paving treatment, street furniture and landscaping in order to achieve maximum benefit for each area. Priorities in the Borough Council’s rolling programme of schemes are based on a combination of an identified need to upgrade the physical environment and a need for highway improvements for safety reasons. Emphasis is placed on Conservation Areas and town and local centres. The Riverside area in Tonbridge, west of the High Street, is identified as having significant potential for enhancement as a public amenity area. In addition there are several other areas in highly visible locations which would benefit from enhancement, for example on main transportation corridors. Key locations for enhancement are included in Policy P4/16.

POLICY P4/16

The Borough Council will carry out, or contribute towards, environmental improvements to enhance the character and appearance of: (1) Conservation Areas and town, district and local shopping centres; (2) the following specific areas, which are shown on the Proposals Map:

(a) Tonbridge Riverside (west of High Street);

(b) Quarry Hill area, Tonbridge;

(c) Tonbridge Industrial Estate (principal route corridors);

(d) A20/A25 junction, Wrotham Heath;

(e) Vale Road Chicane, Tonbridge;

(f) Castle Way, Leybourne (in conjunction with the A228 Leybourne Bypass safeguarded under the terms of Policy P7/7(d)).

4.5.1 The performance of the Plan in meeting its aims for the built environment as listed in paragraph 4.1.1 will be judged against the following indicators:

(i) the number and extent of scheduled and other nationally important archaeological sites and Grade I and II* Listed Buildings adversely affected by development;

(ii) the number and extent of other important archaeological sites and Grade II Listed Buildings adversely affected by development;

(iii) the number of buildings at risk successfully restored to a beneficial use;

(iv) the number of developments in Conservation Areas where the character or appearance of the areas has been harmed;

(v) the number of developments adversely affecting areas with an identified special character and important open spaces;

(vi) the quality of new development generally and its impact on the character of urban and riverside environments;

(vii) the number of new recycling facilities provided at visitor generating developments.