Historic Towns Forum

The social, economic and environmental value of heritage assets has been proven beyond doubt but questions surrounding heritage protection remain. 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.

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 (it is not aimed at conservation practitioners, courses on the theme of conservation areas appraisals and management proposals are available on the HELM training programme).

The recent Conservation Areas At Risk (CAAR) survey was able to highlight areas of need and continuing participation will add to the understanding of local and regional issues for policy makers to address in the future.

The content of the seminars will focus on:

• the strategic importance of conservation
• the factors identified by the CAAR survey and the implications for action
• the steps necessary and the tools available for proactive conservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas and
• examples of good practice. 

Individual programmes for each event are indicated below.