Keeping the Ladbroke area special​

Conservation area map

The role of the Ladbroke Association
in planning matters

Planning applications

The Council consults the Ladbroke Association on planning applications in the Ladbroke area and sends weekly lists to the Association. Details of planning decisions taken on previous applications relating to the Ladbroke Estate, and any subsequent appeals against these decisions, are also sent to the Association.

Every month members of the Association’s committee inspect the applications and their associated drawings and statements.

Many of the applications are for minor works of no particular concern. But in a quarter to a half of the cases the Association decides to make representations to the Council because we consider that the work proposed is not in keeping with the character of the conservation area. We may also write in support of an application that we thing is of particular benefit to the area.

We expect members to let us know their views on planning applications that are troubling them. Whenever an application seems likely to have a deleterious effect on the conservation area, we are usually happy to support objections (although there can be problems where there is disagreement between neighbours on what would be acceptable). We do not normally intervene when a proposal affects only the immediate neighbours and not the area generally, for example, where a new extension would involve a loss of privacy for the neighbour (although we may draw the Council’s attention to the fact that this is likely to be an issue). Much though we might sympathise, this is a case where you would have to fight your own battle.
Our page on How to oppose a planning application gives advice.

Planning policy

In addition, the Association becomes involved in (and sometimes initiates) discussion with the planning authorities on wider questions of conservation policy, on which it is regularly consulted by the Council. Its biggest campaign has been for better treatment of those unfortunate enough to live next door to a property where a major basement development is taking place. The Association is also currently  engaged in an inventory of the streets and buildings in the area with a view to making recommendations to the Council and/or English Heritage on whether further buildings should be listed or be made subject to Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights.
See Streets page.

Page last updated 25.4.2020