Establishing Principles For Conservation

"English Heritage -- a major charity which exists to protect and promote the historic environment of England -- invites peers and partners to a public consultation on 21st of March on conservation principles. English Heritage believes that this new set of principles is urgently needed 'because existing guidance is now becoming outdated, has been forgotten or is misunderstood'.

English Heritage sets out seven points for debate in the first part of the two part public consultation. The seven Principles make grand statements: the historic environment is a shared resource; it is essential to understand what is valuable in the historic environment; everyone can make a contribution; understanding the values of places is vital; places should be managed to sustain their significance; decision about change must be reasonable and transparent; and it is essential to document and learn from decisions.

Although the principles are intended primarily for use by English Heritage, it is hoped, however, that they will also be helpful to all those concerned with managing the historic environment, not least local planning authorities. A second consultation will begin after Easter on the lengthier more detailed Policies and Guidance, leading to publication in the autumn of 2006."