PROPOSALS that could limit Blaenavon homeowners from making alterations to their properties will be discussed by Torfaen council next week.

On December 12, councillors will be asked to approve a notice withdrawing permitted development rights for six months within the Blaenavon Town Centre Conservation Area.

The Article 4 (2) Direction would affect Blaenavon properties in Broad Street - numbers 23, 27, 27A, 29, 44 and 45 - and number two in Cross Street.

In practice, the direction would mean certain alterations which would normally be “permitted developments” would now need planning permission.

Owners would have to apply to Torfaen council planning for external painting work alongside alterations to roofs, gates, fences and walls fronting a highway, waterway or open space.

The aim, a Torfaen council report states, is to tackle the impact of “poor quality” residential repairs/interventions on the quality and character of the conservation area”.

This is also linked to the Blaenavon Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (2017-2022) which had a public consultation earlier this year.

While the direction may lead to additional planning applications, the costs to the planning department would be minimal due to the number of properties, the report states.

If approved, a 21-day consultation will take place during the six-month trial period gathering feedback from residents.

As the trial comes to a close, a report will also be made making recommendations on whether the notice should be approved permanently.

Torfaen council recently secured round one approval from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Townscape Heritage Programme on the central area of Broad Street, Blaenavon.

A round two application is being prepared and if successful, will allow the council to access up to £1.2million of funding to support conservation-based building projects.

To view the report on the planning direction, visit Torfaen council’s website here: moderngov.torfaen.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=137&MId=2891