Vibrant Villages and Towns: Managing Heritage Assets and Development in Smaller Settlements

This in-person day at Kellogg College, Oxford, is for all those who are responsible for, or interested in, balancing conservation with growth in historic villages and towns. Talks will focus on both the built environment and the landscape in which settlements are situated, and will include a combination of practical case studies and learning points from specific projects with a broader consideration of some of the current issues facing the expansion and renewal of historic villages and towns.

Topics explored during the day will include landscape character assessment and the design and planning of green infrastructure; neighbourhood development plans and conservation area appraisals; how the history of a settlement is used to inform its conservation and renewal; and community involvement in conservation projects. In addition to these talks and a group discussion, there will be opportunities for informal conversations and networking.

10.00 Tea and coffee on arrival

10.30 Steven Bee, HTVF Chair
Introduction and welcome

10.40-11.15 Ian Houlston, Director, LDA Design
Understanding the Landscape through Landscape Character Assessments.

11.15-12.30 Professor Malcolm Airs OBE, Emeritus Professor of Conservation and the Historic Environment, Oxford University
Case study from Dorchester, Oxfordshire on the process of securing a Neighbourhood Development Plan and a Conservation Area Appraisal.

12.30-1.30 Lunch

1.30-2.30 Harriet Pillman, Conservation Architect, Donald Insall Associates
A virtual walk-through the Boston Manor House project, with an overview of the history of the settlement, the community focus of the work and the major conservation project that was undertaken.

2.30-3.45 Dr Geraint Coles, Director, Heritage-Place-Renewal
Expansion and Renewal of Historic Villages and Towns: Broader Implications and Challenges, followed by discussion.

3.45-4.00 Conclusions

Tea & coffee on arrival and a sandwich lunch will be provided (please let us know of any dietary requirements).

Audience: public, professional, academic, students.

(Top image: Stream, mountain, village. Photo by 652234 via Pixabay.)

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