Dawn Calvert

Belhus Park Conservation Management Plan

From: Cabinet - Wednesday, 9th October, 2024 7.00 pm - October 09, 2024

The Belhus Park is a Grade-II Registered Park and Garden in the west of the borough. In 2018, the Park was added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) has been prepared as a mechanism for the Council to understand, manage and protect the significance of the Heritage Asset. It was prepared by Place Services on behalf of Thurrock Council, with funding from National Highways, and in partnership with stakeholders involved in the management and understanding of the site. The CMP reflects the need to fully understand the significance of the park and prescribes policies and specific management proposals to support this significance. The CMP recognises that Belhus Park is a special place in terms of the historic and natural environment as well as recreational and amenity value. However, the significance of the park is affected by a wide range of issues, including the impact of the M25, fragmented management responsibilities, and the fact that the park is no longer perceived as a single entity. Many of the issues affecting the park’s significance can be resolved through a variety of opportunities that are available to the multiple organisations involved in its management. The identification of these issues and opportunities within the CMP has resulted in the formulation of conservation policies, which will help guide the immediate and future management of the park. This report reviews the development and content of the CMP.

For Determination