SNN117004 - New Public Toilet Building - Abington Park, Northampton: Heritage Impact Assessment

GSSArchitecture have been appointed by West Northamptonshire Council for the design of new WC facilities at Abington Park, Northampton. This Heritage Impact Assessment is intended to accompany a full Planning Application and sets out and assesses the special architectural and historic interest of Abington Park with reference to the historic development and evolution of the site and the wider area. The nature and extent of the proposal will be reviewed considering the site’s special interest, relevant statutory duties, and national, regional, and Local Planning Policy advice. Paragraphs 207 and 208 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2024 set out the information requirements for determining applications and state that:In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes, or has the potential to include, heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation. Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise any conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal. This assessment is required because the proposed construction of new WC facilities sits within the Abington Conservation Area, with several Listed Buildings noted within close proximity to the site. The report has therefore been produced to: • Summarise the history of the location. • Assess the significance of the existing surroundings and buildings, including any archaeological findings. • Describe the proposals • Assess the impact of the proposals • Justify the proposals