LETTERS From ROYSTONEDGE, Cheltenham, and DAVIDHAYES, Vale Royal. Dear Editor, ACO NEWSLETTER We read in the current newsletter that the West Midlands ACOwould like to see the Association produce leaflets and papers on subjects of common interest. They appear to wish us to have a more academic standing, but I recall that this idea was discussed by members of the South West area in Bath recently. It seemed to be almost unanimously agreed that this is just what we did not want. In fact it was pointed out that the Association for the Study of the Conservation of Historic Buildings performs this function. Conservation Officers can obtain very academic papers by joining them, and if they are so worried about their professional standing, then there are a number of courses available which confer a Diploma in Conservation studies. My colleagues and I in Cheltenham feel that the Association of Conservation Officers and its Newsletter are pitched exactly right. It is informal, unacademic, and we can discuss practical issues of our everyday jobs in and through it. As regards status or standing, we get to know the real craftsmen in our area and the best builders for our kind of work. They know us, and the people in the street recognise us as their Conservation Officers. Surely that is enough for everyone. Royston Edge Cheltenham Borough Council Newborough, 15 Harp Hill, Cheltenham GL52 6PY Dear Editor PERMITTEDDEVELOPMENT WITHINTHE CURTILAGEOF A LISTED BUILDING In Context No. 6, Pam Brimacombe of Woodsprings District Council referred 6 to the problem of permitted development within the curtilage of a listed building. My own authority is also aware of this problem. Unfortunately the DoE consultative paper "Proposals to Improve and Amend the Planning System", fails to recognise the problem, and concentrates only on the "anomaly" of the need for listed building consent to demolish unlisted structures within the curtilage of a listed building. However, my authority is concerned that permitted development, in the form of sheds, garages, aviaries, oil tanks, swimming pools and the like, can have an adverse effect on the character and setting of a listed building. ' Furthermore, it makes a nonsense of the statutory requirement to advertise and consult on proposals affecting the setting of a listed building when there is no control over some of these develop ments. Consequently, my authority is trying to enlist the support of the Association of District Councils in a proposal that listed building control legislation should be extended to include all development within the curtilage of a listed building. Bearing in mind Pam Brimacombe's comments, it may be advisable for the AC□ and individual conservation officers to lobby their own authorities and contacts in an attempt to persuade Marsham Street that there is a need for this extended control which in itself would remove theii own "anomaly". David M Hayes Specialist Services Vale Royal District Council Over Hall Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1ES 06065-2021 Ext. 230.
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