A PUBLIC consultation on plans to protect the character of the historic Churchgate Street is now live.

It is being proposed to introduce an Article 4 Direction for the area, which means that anyone wanting to make changes to their home would need to seek planning permission rather than move ahead using permitted development rights. This would help to ensure that the look of the buildings within the conservation area is preserved.

The council is consulting on the direction, along with a draft management plan and guidance document.

The consultation runs until 5pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.

You can send your comments by email to [email protected] or in writing to: Forward Planning, Civic Centre, Water Gardens, Harlow, CM20 1WG.

The council is holding public drop-in exhibitions, where officers will be in attendance, at St. Mary’s Church, Churchgate Street, Harlow, CM17 0JT, on:

Thursday 20 March 2025 from 6:30pm to 8pm (in the Side Hall)
Tuesday 25 March 2025 from 10am to 11:30am (at the back of the church’s main space)

For full details on the consultation and to view all the supporting documents, visit https://www.harlow.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/conservation-areas-and-listed-buildings/conservation-areas