Recent Publications
Towards a Better Balance between Heritage and Growth (2022)
Funded by Historic England, this report addresses widespread public concern that many historic places are being damaged by unsustainable development. The report looks at 12 case study towns and cities in England and uniquely brings together the views of civic societies, local planning authority officers and councillors to make recommendations about best practice. While physical characteristics, such as flood plains and rivers, play a major part in how urban growth is planned and managed in historic settlements, there are many other influences to consider.
The twelve towns and cities are Canterbury, Chester, Chichester, Lancaster, Lichfield, Malvern, Oxford, Peterborough, Wakefield, Wells, Winchester and Worcester.
The case studies are used to inform more than forty recommendations and a “How to” toolkit The Toolkit presents a Local Plan Review process highlighting when different issues should be considered – such as transport, density, views, character and building heights – and how local planning authorities can draw on the enthusiasm, knowledge and experience available in civic societies and local volunteers to gather a sound evidence base.
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