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<div>Westminster City Council is undertaking some informal consultation on Covent Garden. We are seeking the views of residents, visitors and business owners to inform the early stages of drafting the Covent Garden Area Audit and Management plan.&nbsp;In these early stages, the council is eager to gather diverse perspectives on what makes Covent Garden unique. Whether it&#39;s the historic charm, vibrant culture, or iconic landmarks, your input is crucial in crafting a plan that respects and enhances the area&#39;s heritage.&nbsp;What aspects of Covent Garden do you cherish the most? Are there specific areas or features that you believe need attention or enhancement? Do you have any special memories or stories about Covent Garden that could provide valuable insights?&nbsp;Your feedback will play a vital role in the drafting process. Join the conversation and share your thoughts and experiences with us today!&nbsp;</div>

 Have Your Say: Westminster City Council Seeks Community Input on Covent Garden Conservation Area Audit

Westminster City Council has begun work to draft a Conservation Area Audit and Management Plan for Covent Garden.

This is will inform the conservation, enhancement and future management of Covent Garden.

We are currently seeking views on the area to inform our drafting.

Covent Garden Conservation Area Audit and Management Plan

Covent Garden Conservation Area Audit

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Please note, when emailing the Planning Policy team, use the heading COVENT GARDEN AREA AUDIT .

Click here to learn more about conservation areas and the context of the Covent Garden Conservation Area.

Covent Garden Day Scene

What is a conservation area?

Conservation Areas are designated for their &lsquo;special architectural and historic interest&rsquo;. Within conservation areas there are certain additional planning controls to protect and enhance this special character and appearance.&nbsp;

Within conservation areas, we identify buildings and structures of interest, as well as other elements including street patterns, street furniture, and open spaces which contribute to what makes an area special.When dealing with an application within or adjacent to a conservation area, local authorities must consider the area&rsquo;s special character when deciding whether to grant planning permission.

You can find more information on how the conservation areas are designated and managed&nbsp;<a class="fr-green" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/conservation-areas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. Find out more about other conservation areas in Westminster here:<a class="fr-green" href="https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-building-control-and-environmental-regulations/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents-and-guidance/conservation-area-audits-maps-and-guidance-k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Conservation areas | Westminster City Council</a><a href="https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-building-control-and-environmental-regulations/design-and-heritage/conservation-areas"></a>.

Covent Garden Conservation Area

Covent Garden is one of Westminster best known and most treasured conservation areas.

Across the area, the townscape shows its evolution with a rich mix of architectural styles and building types, including a high concentration of listed buildings. You can search <a class="fr-green" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Historic England website</a> to see all the listed buildings in Covent Garden.The area has long been a centre for entertainment and today it has a vibrant character, &nbsp;with a concentration of historic theatres and cultural venues, restaurants and shops. To the fringes it has a quieter character with pockets of 18th and 19th century housing.&nbsp;Below is a map of Covent Garden Conservation Area.

It was first designated in 1971 following a battle to save the area from planned comprehensive redevelopment. Its buildings and public &nbsp;spaces are of outstanding architectural and historic significance.

At its heart is the Piazza &ndash; the first modern square in London, laid out in early 17th century by Inigo Jones, and now dominated by the later market building in the centre.&nbsp;

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1718188882/projects/65f977d6f54b1221f411694d/szctdiw5wbjvpeedaous.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fir fr-rounded" data-uw-rm-alt-original="" style="width: 353px;" alt="The Market Building & Piazza at dusk">.

We want to hear your views about Covent Garden! Use the map feature to drop a pin and comment!

Covent Garden Area Map

We want to hear your views about Covent Garden!

Please use this map to identify any particular buildings, important views, architectural details or any other features in Covent Garden you consider special and need protection.
 

You can also highlight issues in Covent Garden, areas that you feel could be enhanced and show us any new areas or buildings nearby that you think should be included. 


First, zoom in on the location. Next, click the purple 'Have your say' button. Drop a pin and completed the pop up survey to comment on that location. 
Click Next to complete.

You can drop multiple pins on the map by returning to it after submitting each contribution.

If you have any issues using this map, contact: support@commonplace.is

If you are using a screenreader - <a href="https://coventgardenaudit.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/alternative-accessible-map-survey/step1">please use our accessible survey here</a>

Have something really interesting to share about Covent Garden? <a href="https://coventgardenaudit.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/custom-questions/step1">Tell us in Covent Garden stories!<a>

To inform our drafting, we’d like to know your general views and feelings on the area.

Covent Garden Night Scene

Covent Garden Area survey

Covent Garden Area Survey

Below are a set of general questions about Covent Garden.&nbsp;Have specific feature to talk about? Please, drop a pin on the <a class="fr-green" href="https://coventgardenaudit.commonplace.is/en-GB/map/map" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Covent Garden Area map</a>!&nbsp;Have something really interesting to share about Covent Garden? Tell us in <a class="fr-green" href="https://coventgardenaudit.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/custom-questions/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Covent Garden stories</a>!

Answer the survey

Thank you for completing the survey!&nbsp;Press &#39;Next&#39; to submit your responses and return to the homepage.

Share any interesting facts, oral histories, memories, or unique details you have with us!

Covent Garden Stories

Share your Covent Garden Stories!

We want to understand from local communities what makes Covent Garden unique.&nbsp;Please send us any unusual facts about Covent Garden buildings and spaces, oral histories and memories or hidden or unique details that visitors to Covent Garden might miss.

Write it....

Say it...

Show it...

Thank you for sharing your stories with us!&nbsp;Press &#39;Next&#39; to submit your responses and return to the homepage.

Click here to learn more about the purpose of Conservation Area Audits and what the Covent Garden Audit will include.

What is a conservation area audit?

Westminster City Council are drafting a Conservation Area Audit and Management Plan for Covent Garden.This study intends to establish a proactive and constructive strategy for the conservation, improvement, and future management of the conservation area.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1718187248/projects/65f977d6f54b1221f411694d/q3adq38gaml9riigmlsf.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded fr-bordered" style="width: 500px;" data-uw-rm-alt-original="" alt="People walking around the Market Building & Piazza at night">

It will include:<ul><li>An appraisal which describes the historic development, character and appearance of the area. It captures and records those features which make the area of special architectural and historic interest, including important buildings, landmarks, views, architectural detail and open spaces which contribute positively to the area.&nbsp; </li><li>An audit&nbsp;of the condition of the area which also identifies features which could be improved and management proposals to address these.&nbsp; </li><li>A review&nbsp;the boundaries of the conservation area to see if any additional buildings or areas would merit included in the conservation area.</li></ul>

<a class="fr-green" href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/16-conserving-and-enhancing-the-historic-environment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Planning Guidance</a> recommends the production of such studies.Local planning authorities are encouraged to have up-to-date evidence about the historic environment in their areas, which can involve audits or appraisals of conservation areas.

Once drafted, the audit will be a tool to understand and conserve the character and appearance of the area and identify opportunities for beneficial change.&nbsp;It will be used to inform planning decisions made in the area as well as future policy and strategies. You can see examples of previously produced <a class="fr-green" href="https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-building-control-and-environmental-regulations/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents-and-guidance/conservation-area-audits-maps-and-guidance-k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Conservation Area Audits, maps and guidance</a> for Westminster&#39;s conservation area on our website.