Historic Towns Forum

About HTF

The Historic Towns Forum (HTF), formerly the English Historic Towns Forum (EHTF), has been supporting professionals working in the historic built environment since 1987.

The Forum's events and publications focus on perennial and topical issues. Together, they offer a strong platform from which to lobby policy makers on behalf of historic towns and cities more details.

Managing Heritage Assets for Added Value

A national seminar series has been developed by the Historic Towns Forum and English Heritage to support those in local authorities responsible for strategic management and policy making.

A strategic approach to conservation management as part of planning and development will help not only to protect and enhance conservation areas but also to achieve broader corporate objectives. More details and booking form

HRH The Prince of Wales becomes Patron of the HTF

Debbie Dance, HTF Chair "We are delighted that The Prince of Wales has become our Patron at such an interesting time, when there is so much pressure on our towns and cities to change and an inherent need to get that change right if we can." said Debbie Dance, HTF Chair, "Our job at the Forum is in making the right conversations happen and the Prince's support will help us to do just that" ... read more

"latest statement on conservation and planning is not fit for purpose..."

“Conserving our heritage is fundamental to the quality of life people enjoy in our towns and cities, yet we are concerned that the Government’s latest statement on conservation and planning is not fit for purpose”, says Debbie Dance, Chair of the Historic Towns Forum, commenting in the draft Planning Policy Statement 15: Planning for the Historic Environment (PPS15).

The Forum initially welcomed the publication of Draft PPS15 for consultation but, having now studied its content, it is extremely concerned and disappointed ... read more
HTF response to Draft PPS 15

The Heritage Alliance - welcomed by HTF

The National Heritage Debate on 2 December was hosted by the former Heritage Link - after announcing the new name and introducing a new Chair - Loyd Grossman.

The audience represented the wide range of heritage organisations all of whom have benefited from the umbrella of the organisation and its success. Representatives from the Conservative and Labour parties each claimed the high ground on heritage protection, followed by the Liberal Democrat representative who moved the discussion ... read more

Fees frozen at AGM

The Forum's AGM on 21 October, agreed not to increase membership fees in January 2010. "Everyone is feeling the impact of the recession," said Director Chris Winter, "I hope this will help Members to maintain their support for the Forum in the coming year." 2009 AGM minutes

Planning and Protection for Quality Places

The Annual Conference this year looked at heritage protection, heritage assets, conservation areas at risk and the value of townscape, which are all high on the agenda at present. In Chichester on 21 - 23 October expert witnesses presented a range of good practice case studies and recent research to support practitioners and decision makers. Wayne Hemingway was the keynote speaker .

The Programme also included a session run by The Academy of Urbanism.
Conference report and speakers' presentations

A time to reflect on retail development

Parliament Street, York The economic downturn offers breathing space for Local Authorites and developers to reflect on the direction of retail development in historic towns.

In York on 23-24 September leading experts from both private and public sectors offered new information on retail development.
Conference report and speakers' presentations

Integrated sustainable transport strategies

Park and Ride in Winchester Sustainable transport must be a priority if we are to manage historic places and resources.

Park & Ride can offer a solution but can be difficult to implement. This along with other parking strategies, in the context of integrated transport planning was examined at our conference in Winchester. Conference report and speakers' presentations

Historic Towns & Smarter Growth

This conference was well attended by delegates from all over the UK and Ireland, with expert speakers stimulating valuable discussion. Practitioners were able to take part in lively workshops and to hear about examples of good practice to support their own work.

An appropriate output from the conference, with Members'' contributions to a collection of good (and bad) practice examples, is being considered and will be announced in the near future.
Conference report and speakers' presentations

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