The relationship between the history of a place and its modern role is one of constant change and adaptation.
The ownership, function and maintenance of historic buildings changes over time.
The planning authority has primary responsibility for managing change in the built environment. We want places to be looked after and maintained well so that they continue to have a beneficial purpose.
Our guidance encourages a ‘stewardship’ approach among owners, occupiers, agents and other organisations.
This can be embraced by everyone regardless of whether permission is required or not. We have framed our guidance in the context of legislation and national/local planning policies.
The principles underpinning this approach are:
- understanding the contribution the built heritage makes to the local economy, visitor attraction, community cohesion and the personal connection we each have with places
- the fundamental need for routine maintenance which helps prevent deterioration
- recognising the need to allow for change
- encouraging repair, reuse and adaptation of existing buildings as the most sustainable form of development
- ensuring proposals protect and enhance the built heritage and allow for appropriate new development
- the sustainability of traditional materials and the craft skills and workmanship in the fabric of buildings and places
- avoiding waste arisings from unnecessary demolition and replacement, the consequent loss of embodied energy, need for waste disposal and the sourcing and transport of new materials
Next: Traditional buildings