English Heritage’s new campaign reveals how many of England’s 9,300 conservation Areas are at risk and from what.
Conservation Areas at Risk
English Heritage's survey of conservation areas reveals that approximately 1 in 7 is at risk from neglect, decay or inappropriate change. Show your support for our campaign to save conservation areas from irreversible decline and receive a free campaign pack by registering below.
Introduced by the 1967 Civic Amenities Act, there are some 9,300 Conservation Areas across England meaning that we all live in or near to one or visit one regularly for work, shopping or leisure. Designated to protect the historic places we hold most special, they are the element of England’s heritage that is all around us and which touches all our lives. But until now no-one knew what condition they were in.
English Heritage is Calling for:
- Councils to use the powers they already have to apply Article 4 Directions in Conservation Areas, giving them control over small changes to doors, windows, roofs and fences, which, unchecked, lead to slow but irreversible decline. Our survey shows that Conservation Areas with Appraisals or Article 4 Directions are almost twice as likely to improve in the next three years as those without.
- Councils to pay more attention to the public spaces of conservation areas, applying the principles set out in English Heritage’s Save Our Streets guidance.
Conservation Areas
The streets and buildings of our towns and villages are part of the historic character of England. Each townscape tells the story of its unique development, and gives us a sense of place, continuity and cultural identity.
Where these places are of special architectural or historic interest or deserve to receive careful protection, they can be designated as conservation areas. However, this does not mean that they have to remain frozen in time, change is often necessary to accommodate the demands of modern living. As our historic town and village centres are always likely to attract new development, the challenge is how to enhance, rather than detract from, their special, local character.
What is a conservation area?
How are conservation areas chosen? who designates them? What does designation mean?
How is English Heritage involved ?
Advice to local authorities; statutory consultations; Conservation Area Partnerships
Management of Conservation Areas
Character assessment; enhancement; management plans
Further Advice & Guidance
Publications; useful addresses
Where these places are of special architectural or historic interest or deserve to receive careful protection, they can be designated as conservation areas. However, this does not mean that they have to remain frozen in time, change is often necessary to accommodate the demands of modern living. As our historic town and village centres are always likely to attract new development, the challenge is how to enhance, rather than detract from, their special, local character.
What is a conservation area?
How are conservation areas chosen? who designates them? What does designation mean?
How is English Heritage involved ?
Advice to local authorities; statutory consultations; Conservation Area Partnerships
Management of Conservation Areas
Character assessment; enhancement; management plans
Further Advice & Guidance
Publications; useful addresses
