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.

Achieving added value through community engagement

The new Government agenda advocates a ‘Big Society’ based around social responsibility and community action, where power is devolved down to the neighbourhoods. 

In Chester, on 23 September, HTF will examine what proof we have that this works and look at examples of good practice that we might learn from. Conference programme and booking details

HTF Photo Competition

Only 3 days left - Enter by 31 July 2010 and win a fantastic day at the races! Enter now!

HTF Members are invited to enter this year’s photo competition, for the 2011 calendar, with a choice of in 6 categories identified as impacting on our historic towns and cities ... read more

Shortlisted entrants will be included in the 2011 HTF Calendar

Calendar Sponsor

Prize Sponsor

Connecting people with place

Two issues inspire this event: the imperative to move towards greater community engagement and the value of local distinctiveness – to residents, visitors and investors

Successful places improve quality of life, they provide a sense of local distinctiveness and identity for residents and visitors, and they attract investment.  This conference demonstrated a new approach to interactivity using existing and new data and the latest technologies.  The Conference report will be available soon.  View the speakers' presentations

HTF Supports the Heritage Alliance's statement on the Budget

The Historic Towns Forum (HTF) supports strongly the views on the Budget expressed by the Heritage Alliance, especially the impact on conservation work of the increase in VAT and the effect on support for heritage conservation implied by cuts to the DCMS budget read more

The Future of Heritage Protection

PPS5 and changes to the planning systems, post election, were explored at a training event partnered by specialist law firm Bircham Dyson Bell.

A Historic Core Zone - the solution to traffic management in a Historic Town?

The impact of traffic on historic towns has been an issue challenging the Forum for many years. A visit to the proposed Historic Core Zone in Bradford on Avon on 10 June, explored Traffic Management, applying the principles of the HCZ projects.

View the Speakers' presentations and Conference Report

Capturing Quality in Our Time

Historic towns and cities are environmentally attractive, offer a good quality of life, are frequently prosperous and are, in varying degrees, models of sustainable development. It is in part a consequence of these qualities that historic towns are facing the challenge of unprecedented growth ... read more

Positive, strategic and practical approaches to effectively addressing the growth pressures are explored in the report 'Capturing Quality in Our time'

The role of retail development in economic regeneration: 27 May

There are a number of impacts made by large retail developments which must be carefully balanced. Economic regeneration must be balanced with local distinctiveness and local trade. The event in Cardiff examined the role of retail development in economic regeneration and its impact on historic city centres.

View the speakers' presentations and conference report

PPS5: Planning for the Historic Environment

The Government has set out its aim that "the historic environment and its heritage assets should be conserved and enjoyed for the quality of life they bring to this and future generations" in the recently published PPS5 ... read more.
View article by English Heritage Advisor, Mark Challis of Bircham Dyson Bell

PPS: Planning for a low carbon future in a changing climate

See the HTF response to the CLG consultation

Special Offers for HTF Members

As well as receiving up to 25% discount on HTF Publications, Members can login to access FREE DOWNLOADS and DISCOUNTS on other publications including:

• The Green Guide for Historic Buildings
  by The Prince's Regeneration Trust:
• England’s Schools History, architecture and adaptation
  by Elain Harwood

The Government’s Statement on the Historic Environment for England

The Historic Towns Forum (HTF) welcomes the Government's Statement on the Historic Environment of England 2010. It is particularly pleased to see that it has interdepartmental support given the important relationship between all Government departments and the historic environment. read more

How much heritage awareness is taught to the planners and architects of tomorrow?

HTF is working with English Heritage to explore how great a part heritage plays in the degree courses for planning, architecture, urban design and other professions. Following extensive research a number of higher education institutions will join a pilot project to develop good practice and teaching and learning resources. For more information contact HTF Director at chris.winter@uwe.ac.uk

Raising Conservation Area Awareness

Research and anecdotal evidence demonstrates that many property owners may be unaware of the fact that they live or work in a Conservation Area. HTF is piloting a ‘leaflet’ which can be customised by local authorities and made available on line or delivered through the door with information and contact details for residents and businesses. For more information contact chris.winter@uwe.ac.uk

Updated Park & Ride survey

The Park & Ride survey carried out on behalf of HTF by RPS last year gave us invaluable information about schemes all over the country. To share your experiences or to update information you have already given us please complete the updated survey.


Park & Ride along with other parking strategies, in the context of integrated transport planning was examined at our conference in Winchester last year. Conference report and speakers' presentations

Valuing what you've got ...

Following English Heritage’s Conservation Areas At Risk (CAAR) survey in 2009, in which one in seven were found to be at risk, a series of seminars 'Managing Heritage Assets for Added Value' was delivered across England, aiming to support those in local authorities responsible for strategic management and policy making. Seminar series report

Talk the Walk networking event: "Retrofitting for Walking"

Talk the Walk brings professionals from the worlds of transport planning, engineering, public space design and public health with those promoting walking. Details can be found at www.talkthewalk.info – if you would like to attend, complete the on-line registration at www.rethinkingcities.net/talkshops