Historic Towns Forum

The Heritage Protection Review promised changes to legislation and policy guidance, and although it was not included in the Queen's Speech in 2008, we are assured that 18 out of the 26 proposals can be implemented without primary legislation, and guidance is expected in spring/summer 2009.

HTF is working closely with English Heritage to ensure that new guidance takes account of the resources available to those charged with its implementation - local authority officers, and to develop appropriate training.

HTF Response to PPS15 Consultation
HTF Press Release
Planning and Protection for Quality Places - 2009 Annual Conference Report

The Annual Conference in 2008 held in Lichfield - 'Townscape in Focus: challenges and opportunities' - looked at many of the tools available to practitioners including Article 4 Directions, local listing etc. Work continues in this area and information will be available later in 2009.

This also follows changes in 2007 which deleted BVPI 219a and BVPI 219c from the national indicators, whilst BVPI 219b (Percentage of Conservation Areas with an up to date character appraisal) remains. These requirements, and then their withdrawal have caused widespread concern, particularly amongst Forum members who represent the areas in which the greatest concentrations of conservation areas are found.

In 2006 the Forum, together with the University of the West of England (UWE), carried out research and a series of training seminars in six locations around the country to develop good practice in Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.

'Conservation Area Management - A Practical Guide' publication is still available at the special price of £5 - further details

'Making better planning applications' (2003) and 'Making better applications for listed building consent' (2005) offer straight forward guidance to anyone making applications and are available to download, free of charge.