West Midlands – Regional Influencing Change Strategy 2004 – 2006
INFLUENCING CHANGE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS REGION
English Heritage priorities for 2004-06
March 2004
planning authorities, and owners and managers, on statutory designation and planning and statutory consent applications, and offer grant aid for urgent repairs. We are only one of a range of bodies with responsibilities for or involved in managing or funding the historic environment, at national, regional and local level. In addition to our activities outlined above, we also support and develop the work of these partners by direct funding through our national and regional capacity building programmes. This Regional Conservation Strategy for the West Midlands is intended to facilitate this process. It amplifies aspects of the Regional Plan 2003-05 and reflects the regional Heritage Counts report and articulates our priorities between now and 2006.
2: NATIONAL PRIORITIES
The following areas have been identified as national priorities; firstly ensuring that we can adequately understand key elements of our historic environment; secondly, developing clear historic environment designation information; thirdly, measures to effectively influence change; and finally, financial support for the conservation of significant elements of the historic environment: 2.1 Survey and archaeological research. Priorities for survey and archaeological research are classified under five programmes: Standards and quality control Protecting the historic environment Research, understanding and knowledge Access, dissemination and social inclusion Capacity building Research priorities are influenced by the urgency of management and protection needs, for example the impacts of urban regeneration, coastal erosion and agricultural operations. All projects aim to generate partnerships, promote skills, and increase the awareness and interest of the public in the historic environment. 2.2 Characterisation and designation. Characterisation work will continue across the country, targeted in particular on hotspots for change and development such as pathfinder housing and sustainable community areas. Resources for characterisation have been increased relative to designation.
1: INTRODUCTION
A ‘sense of place’ provides people with a sense of identity and defines how people feel about themselves. This strategy sets out how English Heritage in the West Midlands will promote the importance of the historic environment and heritage, not just for local communities but also for the economic, social and cultural well-being of the region as a whole. Historic places, buildings and structures matter to people. Even the most humble historic buildings help provide a sense of place and identity for our local communities, whether they be in our urban, suburban or rural areas. The state of our historic environment tells our visitors, both tourists and business people, something about the way we view ourselves. For example, the Iron Bridge (in the care of English Heritage) is used in many documents and presentations as an iconic symbol of the West Midlands. The strategic aim of English Heritage’s work is to help manage change in a way that secures a sustainable future for the historic environment in environmental, economic and social terms “for the benefit of our own and future generations” (A Force for Our Future DCMS/DTLR 2001). We seek to do so in accordance with the Principles set out in Annex 1. English Heritage is the Government’s statutory advisor on all aspects of the historic environment. In particular we advise DCMS and ODPM, local
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West Midlands – Regional Influencing Change Strategy 2004 – 2006
Priorities for designation, agreed with the DCMS, are: The piloting of the Government’s proposals for unified designation and the flexible management of extensive and complex sites; The assessment of major sites where significant change is anticipated over the next three to five years; and The assessment of individual threatened sites arising out of our statutory casework 2.3 Statutory casework and advice. The volume of work on which our advice is sought or needed continues to grow. Our agreed national priorities are Casework and advice intended to facilitate major change affecting nationally important historic sites and places Casework and advice intended to prevent major damage to nationally important historic sites or places. 2.4 Grants There is a wide range of sources for grant aid or funding in the historic environment sector and increasingly priorities for English Heritage funding must take account of the availability of funding from elsewhere. However, we will increasingly be the key funder for certain aspects of the historic environment. Our agreed national priorities for repair grants are: Support for significant elements of the historic environment at risk, particularly where English Heritage is the only feasible enabler. Support for areas where there is a lack of alternative funding sources whether this is a consequence of the rules and priorities of other funding schemes, or a lack of ability to manage grant applications and to progress projects. In addition we have, for the first time, introduced regional funding for capacity building in partners who contribute to the conservation and management of the historic environment in the region. Since this is a developing area of work our priority is a general one Support for existing or potential new partners to develop the capacity of the voluntary sector to further objectives for the historic environment at a regional level. We will do this in liaison with our key partners and through our emerging outreach programme, for
which English Heritage’s West Midlands office now has a dedicated officer.
3.0 THE WEST MIDLANDS REGION
3.1 Historic character The historic environment embraces all those aspects of the environment that reflect the shaping hand of past human activity. The West Midlands is a topographically and culturally diverse region with a striking urban and rural split. The western half is predominantly rural. Many areas, particularly along the Welsh Borders, are of outstanding beauty, albeit somewhat isolated. The eastern half includes the major industrial conurbations of Birmingham, the Black Country (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall & Wolverhampton), Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent. Agriculture, manufacturing and commerce continue to underpin the economy of the region, but tourism and culture have an increasingly important role. Context The West Midlands is the only land locked English administrative region. It covers an area of almost 2 million hectares, modest in comparison to the other English regions. The region has a resident population of 5.3 million people. The metropolitan area is home for almost 2.5 million (making it the UK’s largest conurbation after London). Staffordshire with Stoke-on-Trent has the next largest population total at approximately 1 million. The region contains 33,843 listed buildings, 145 registered parks and gardens, 1,407 scheduled ancient monuments, 733 conservation areas, 6 battlefields and 1 world heritage site. The highest density of listed buildings are in the districts of Wychavon (Worcestershire) and Stratford-uponAvon (Warwickshire).
3.2 Forces for Change Manufacturing makes a larger contribution to the regional economy than it does in any other UK region and is fundamental to the culture and social fabric of many areas (RES, 2004). However, the manufacturing sector is experiencing falling employment and low productivity. A key challenge for the region is to develop a diverse and dynamic business base through the modernisation and diversification of
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the region's businesses. Developing the visitor economy, fostering innovation and enterprise, and maximising opportunities presented by the Region's environmental economy will contribute to this. Tourism, information technology and a variety of service sector industries are now vital the health of the region’s economy.
The West Midlands region is a region of contrasts with huge variations in affluence between communities (RES, 2004). Although parts of the region have experienced rapid growth in development, employment and productivity, 19% of the region's population are within the most deprived 10% of wards in England. In certain areas of Birmingham and its surrounding conurbation, and in North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, economic decline has led to the collapse of housing markets and economic and social structures. Two Housing Market Regeneration Pathfinder Areas have been initiated by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to tackle the problems faced by communities in North Staffordshire and Birmingham/Sandwell. A priority for English Heritage will be to become fully engaged in discussions about these schemes and to encourage our partners to exploit the potential of the historic environment for housing market renewal. In rural areas the decline of the rural economy has highlighted themes of exclusion and deprivation with knock on effects for the historic environment such as redundant farm buildings. English Heritage will encourage the rural renaissance agenda by supporting strategic rural initiatives and by targeting our resources to mitigate some of the issues facing rural areas. We will work closely with our environmental partners and DEFRA, not least through the Rural Affairs Forum, to support rural regeneration and community development. The region is the transport crossroads for the UK. This poses distinctive challenges and pressures for the region’s historic assets. As lead body for the heritage sector we will make it our priority to ensure that where new transport routes and infrastructure changes are proposed, that the interests of the historic environment are fully considered and that the effects of those proposals on the heritage are minimised wherever possible. English Heritage wants to work closely with its regional partners to show how the quality of the historic environment can contribute to social, economic and environmental objectives of the West Midlands and to its sustainable development.
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4: PRIORITIES FOR UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING CHANGE 2004-2006
4.1 Key Aim English Heritage’s West Midlands Regional Team has finite resources in terms of staff and funding. These resources have to be utilised in the most effective manner possible, which means that we have to prioritise staff time and funding. We recognise that this does mean that we will not be able to support other tasks and outcomes to the level that we would ideally wish. The regional team has identified a key aim and a number of objectives that will seek to best conserve and enhance the Historic Environment with the available resources over the next 3 years. Conservation Aim: To ensure that the sense of place, identity and quality of life that the Historic Environment can provide, is enjoyed by current and future generations across the West Midlands.
understanding of the significance of the historic environment within which any development or activity is proposed. Archaeological research at a regional level facilitates an objective understanding of the West Midlands’ archaeological assets. A key task between 2004-06 will be to deliver an Archaeological Research Framework for the West Midlands. This will be carried out in conjunction with our regional partners and will lead to the development of a robust management strategy for archaeological research in the West Midlands. Other research priorities will be influenced by the urgency of management and protection considerations and will be determined by the capacity of available resources to manage individual projects. In all cases the aim of archaeological research will be to increase professional and public understanding of individual sites, to promote skills and to increase awareness of the region’s archaeology 4.4 Characterisation and designation All shire counties in the West Midlands have now initiated Historic Landscape Characterisation projects. Our priority will be to support existing projects and to encourage the implementation of HLC in all of the metropolitan districts. English Heritage and its partners are promoting a landscape-scale approach to planning policy with Historic Landscape Characterisation as an integral part of that strategy. Where major planning proposals have a potential impact on the historic environment then we will make it a priority to evaluate and understand the key changes that are proposed and to assess their impact(s) on the historic environment. It is important the Historic Landscape Characterisation is used as an appropriate tool to address specific development and planning questions. We will give priority to supporting revised schemes of designation as they effect regional planning authorities, to assisting with English Heritage’s designation pilots as required and to making characterisation as accessible as possible to practitioners and members of the public. 4.5 Region-wide strategic involvement We will continue to give priority to contributing to the development of regional strategies and plans at an early stage to make sure that the interests of the historic environment are integrated into strategic policy frameworks. Across the West
4.2 Delivery of Key Aim and Objectives The Region will seek to deliver this aim through:UNDERSTANDING of significance of the Historic Environment and how it contributes to improving people’s quality of life and economic wellbeing of the region. INFLUENCING decisionmakers and opinion formers so that their policies and decisions take into account the benefits of the Historic Environment. DELIVERING targeted support to a wide range of partners and customers that will lead to the conservation and enhancement of the Historic Environment. Please also refer to section 5 for an explanation of the way in which these objectives will be delivered. The following is an explanation of the way in which English Heritage’s national priorities will be delivered in the West Midlands region. 4.3 Survey and archaeological research Whilst the management of change is the key priority for successful casework delivery, this can only be achieved if there is an appropriate
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Midlands we will also work hard to ensure that national and regional planning policy guidance on the historic environment is incorporated as part of sub-regional and local planning processes, including the preparation of new local development frameworks. At regional government level we will make it our priority to work closely with other environmental and statutory agencies to encourage the promotion, enhancement and sustainable management of the West Midlands’ historic, built and natural environmental assets and to foster an appreciation amongst regional strategic agencies of the value and importance of a high quality environment to the region’s economic prosperity and its quality of life.
that sufficient expertise and resources are available at a local level, we will not comment in any detail. Early discussion of proposals with English Heritage’s specialist staff will be encouraged for all appropriate significant development proposals. This will help to ensure that our concerns are taken into account in initial proposals. In accordance with the agreed ODPM targets, we will seek to respond to: 100% of listed building consent and planning notifications within 21 days of receipt or agreed extension date 100% of ecclesiastical exemption notifications within 21 days of receipt or agreed extension date 100% of scheduled monument consent notifications within 90 days of receipt or agreed extension date 100% of Government Office West Midlands listed building consent referrals (where a local authority is minded to approve the application) within 21 days of receipt or agreed extension date Our casework performance statistics will be published on an annual basis. 4.7 Strategic priorities for Regional Grant casework Our four Regional Grant programmes which we will ‘ring fence’ are: Buildings, monuments and landscapes/gardens at risk Listed places of worship needing urgent repair and maintenance. We will continue to administer this grants programme in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund. Conservation Area schemes where, by working with partners, additional funding for conservation and regeneration can be levered in. Local and regional capacity building projects. Buildings and Monuments Grants We will give priority to grant aiding grade I and II* listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments included in our BAR register. In accordance with our BAR strategy, the emphasis will be on: Grant aiding repairs at an early stage and preventing buildings becoming ruinous.
4.6 Strategic priorities for Regional advisory casework We will seek to increase our focus on strategic issues and pre-application advice for significant development projects. The volume of work on which our advice is sought or needed continues to grow. We will continue to receive and seek to respond to all notifications referred to us under the terms of government circulars and other notification procedures. We will give priority to: Major proposals for individual buildings and monuments (e.g. demolition of listed buildings) Proposals significantly affecting the most important buildings, monuments and historic landscapes in the region (Grade I and II* listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, Grade I or II* registered parks and gardens). Major developments in conservation areas, particularly in growth and regeneration areas Schemes affecting listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments at risk Schemes relevant to areas where English Heritage is developing or promulgating policy, or carrying out research, e.g. enabling development, tall buildings, major works to historic places of worship. Applications where English Heritage has a grant involvement. In considering what priority to give casework we will also assess to what extent the case involves English Heritage’s core business and how far we can apply the necessary skills and knowledge. If we consider that proposals are straightforward, or
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Our work with owners and other funding bodies to tackle major problem buildings in the region. These will include: Ditherington Flax Mill, Shrewsbury Bethesda Methodist Church, Hanley, Stoke Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, Stoke Molineux Hotel, Wolverhampton
conservation areas in economic need by continuing and building on the success of our established Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme. Priority will be given to areas: of clear architectural and historic significance, set out in a current conservation appraisal of clear economic need for which a clear strategy for grant aid has been developed that responds to the needs of the area and to key local and regional strategies which have the active support of the local authority and clear mechanisms for delivery which have the active support of grant recipients where there are opportunities for combining our funding with those of others which have not previously benefited from grant-aid, or where grant aid is essential to complete an existing programme. Historic Parks and Gardens We will support the preparation of comprehensive conservation management plans for key historic landscapes. Where funding permits, we will assist with the restoration and repair of essential historic features identified in the plan as being under threat. Capacity Building Grants In 2003 we introduced regional capacity building grants to help the work of partners who contribute to the conservation and management of the historic environment in the region. To qualify for funding, the activity must further the aims and objectives of English Heritage in promoting the conservation, understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment. It should be noted that funding for local authority posts or projects is not available under this scheme. Targets for support are: projects that encourage greater access to the heritage to those traditionally left out of cultural activities; projects that build up the capacity and commitment of local communities to champion the conservation and enhancement of their own local historic environments; projects that promote best practice standards and skills for the conservation, documentation, interpretation and sustainable
English Heritage has already made a significant allocation of its resources to these four historic sites. We recognise that they will continue to demand a serious commitment from us. They are priority buildings that have emerged from the Buildings at Risk strategy, which is our statement of conservation priorities in the West Midlands.
Buildings which are capable of being brought back into beneficial use where repairs would contribute to key local and regional strategies. Non-beneficial buildings and monuments at risk, particularly ruinous structures in rural areas, which are key examples of their type. Management agreements for the maintenance and management of earthwork monuments where necessary to ensure the survival of key sites. Urgent roof repairs and vital structural work needed to secure the fabric of country houses in long-term ownership where it is important to keep the historic entity intact. Country Houses In assessing the financial needs of country houses as part of our Buildings and Monuments Grant Programme, we will continue to recognise the special needs of buildings which have been in longstanding ownership of one family and where it is important to keep the historic entity intact. Grants will be considered for urgent roof repairs and vital structural work needed to secure the fabric of houses. All grants will be subject to financial need being demonstrated. Conservation Areas We will continue to work in partnership with local authorities to support grant schemes for
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West Midlands – Regional Influencing Change Strategy 2004 – 2006
enjoyment of the resources of England’s historic environment; projects directed towards meeting regionbased information needs
Partnership and Leverage- working with local authorities and other agencies on collaborative schemes to make the ‘heritage £’ go further. We will apply the other criteria sensitively, pragmatically and transparently, tailoring our consideration to respond to the nature and demands of the project. The criteria will be reviewed significantly outstrips our resources. if need
4.8 How we process Grant Applications a) Secular Buildings and Monuments Grants We will review and approve all current applications on a quarterly basis. This may mean that by the last quarter of the year all the funding may have been allocated. If applicants are unsuccessful because funding is unavailable, they will be notified that their application has not been successful. They will be asked to confirm if they wish their application to be reconsidered in the next financial year without the need to resubmit the application forms. We will concentrate our limited funding on those projects where the following criteria are be met: Essential criteria: Building or Monument at Risk – Listed Grade I or II* and on the English Heritage ‘Buildings at Risk Register’ or should be on the register. Financial Need – can the project succeed without external support? Are other funding agencies better able to help? Urgency of Works – is there a danger of collapse or significant loss of fabric/special interest? Public access – both physical and intellectual (desirable but not essential for grant aid associated with Scheduled Ancient Monument management agreements) Long-Term Sustainability- finding viable new uses, and promoting good management/maintenance practice Ability to deliver the project - within short timeframe. Desirable criteria: Social inclusion – reaching out to those who might not traditionally have benefited from English Heritage grant aid. Contribution to social or economic regeneration- particularly in major growth areas and areas of deprivation Encouraging craft training/skills
b) The Repair Grants scheme for Places of Worship We will process these in batches once a year: Grade I and II* applications to be in by 30th June and Grade II (on behalf of HLF) in by 30th September each year. c) Conservation Area Grants These will be assessed on an annual basis and successful local authorities notified of 1-3 year grant programmes in January annually. d) Regional Capacity Building Grants We will process these applications on a quarterly basis starting in April each year.
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5: REGIONAL CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN Our Core Aims: A: UNDERSTANDING of significance of the Historic Environment and how it contributes to improving people’s quality of life and economic wellbeing of the region. B: INFLUENCING decision makers and opinion formers so that their policies and decisions take into account the benefits of the Historic Environment. C: DELIVERING targeted support to a wide range of partners and that will lead to conservation and enhancement of the Historic Environment. Action A3: To improve our understanding of the issues involved in integrated designation we will support English Heritage pilot schemes, which are to be undertaken in the Region. Delivery mechanism: We will collaborate with English Heritage Designation department staff managing pilot schemes investigating designation issues as they affect regional planning authorities and site owners. Measure of success: Pilot schemes completed to the satisfaction of English Heritage and the communities and partners involved. Action A4: To promote community cohesion by developing a targeted research project to identify the way in which diverse communities value and interpret the built environment Delivery mechanism: Joint EH and University of Central England Project to develop understanding of Ethnoscapes which will produce booklets and arrange conference to promote understanding. Measure of success: Booklet launched at conference in 2005 . Ethnoscapes recognised for the social and economic benefits to the wider community and region.
A: UNDERSTANDING OBJECTIVE A1: TO PROVIDE A BASELINE UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT, THEIR SIGNIFICANCE AND ADAPTABILITY TO CHANGE. Action A1: To deliver annual audits of the Historic Environment through the Heritage Counts (previously called SHER) reports. Delivery mechanism: West Midlands Historic Environment Forum (HEF) steering group; project management by EH Region team, staff support provided by dedicated ‘Heritage Counts’ Officer (funded 2004/05 by AWM and EH) plus EH Regional Policy Officer. Measure of success: Annual ‘Heritage Counts’ report produced which provides effective tool for influencing decision-makers and others. Action A2: To improve our local understanding of the character of our historic landscapes so that this can be taken into account and influence decision-making at a regional and local level. Delivery mechanism: Continued support for existing Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) projects. Promote implementation of HLC in all metropolitan districts. Measure of success: HLC data available for all metropolitan districts by 2008.
B: INFLUENCING OBJECTIVE B1: TO ENSURE THAT ALL KEY REGIONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL STRATEGIES TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION THAT THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CAN MAKE TO DEAL WITH ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES. Action B1.1: Seek to secure the inclusion of the Historic Environment and its contribution in key regional policies and strategies. Delivery mechanism: Regional staff will seek to engage and influence: Regional Assembly and its partnerships Government Office West Midlands (GOWM) Advantage West Midlands (AWM) Rural Affairs Forum The Regional Cultural Consortium (West Midlands Life)
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West Midlands – Regional Influencing Change Strategy 2004 – 2006
Sustainability West Midlands Measure of success: Contribution of Historic Environment to wellbeing of the region will be included in: Regional Economic Strategy Regional Planning Guidance Regional Visitor Economy StrategyRegional Environmental Priorities Strategy Regional Biodiversity Stratgy Regional Cultural Strategy C: DELIVERING OBJECTIVE C1: TO PROVIDE TIMELY AND RELEVANT STATUTORY ADVICE TO OUR PARTNERS AND CUSTOMERS. Action C1.1: To provide statutory advice to Local Authorities in relation to applications which directly or indirectly affect: Grade I and II* listed buildings Conservation area developments in excess of 1000m2 Devolution of grade II buildings in conservation areas Scheduled ancient monuments Registered battlefields Grade I and II* registered gardens and landscape Delivery mechanism: Regional Conservation staff provide advice and written responses in accordance with of priorities. Measure of success: Planning and listed building consent applications – 100% responses sent out within 21 days of EH receipt of application (with full particulars provided) or agreed extension date (ODPM target). Action C1.2: To provide statutory advice to Secretary of State DCMS in relation to scheduled monument consents. Delivery mechanism: Regional Conservation staff to provide written advice to DCMS. Measure of success: Scheduled Monument Consents – 100% advice to DCMS sent within 3 months of receiving application and full particulars from DCMS (DCMS target). OBJECTIVE C2: TO PROVIDE TIMELY AND RELEVANT NON STATUTORY ADVICE TO OUR PARTNERS AND CUSTOMERS. Action C2.1: To provide advice in relation to Historic Environment and Regional Polices and Guidelines, e.g., Regional Planning Guidance and Regional Strategies. Delivery mechanism: Regional Conservation staff to provide targeted advice to ensure that key policies are included in relevant Regional Strategies.
Action B1.2: Support Regional Historic Environment Forum in developing its advocacy activities. Delivery mechanism: Regional staff will provide secretarial and strategic support for HEF. Measure of success: HEF produces Advocacy Strategy and agreed delivery programme. OBJECTIVE B2: To ensure local plans and strategies such as Local Development Frameworks and Community Strategies take account of the historic environment. Action B2.1: Seek to ensure that the inclusion of historic environment considerations in local plans and strategies. Delivery mechanism: Regional staff engaging with strategic plans and strategies with targeted involvement in nonstatutory plans. Measure of Success: Advice given within agreed timescales. Action B2.2: Provision of generic advice to ‘champion Historic Environment considerations in local strategies. Delivery mechanism: National and regional staff to prepare generic guidance Measure of success: Recognition of historic environment considerations in economic, social and environmental strategies.
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Measure of success: Advice provided within agreed timescales. Action C2.2: To provide pre-application advice for development proposals which may effect the Historic Environment. Delivery mechanism: Regional Conservation staff to provide advice to developers and local authorities. Measure of success: Pre-application advice provided within agreed times for all key development proposals which could effect prioritised elements of Historic Environment, see section 4. OBJECTIVE C3: TO PROVIDE GRANT AID PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT THE CONSERVATION OF THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT. Action C3.1: Manage EH regional grant aid programme to provide funding to assist in the conservation of significant elements of the Historic Environment, where existing resources are insufficient. The actual regional budget increases over the financial years 2004/05 to 2005/06. However, the national funding for Conservation Area grants (Heritage Economic Regeneration Schemes HERS) decreases, to provide 100% regional funding from 2006/07 onwards. Indicative Secular Budgets Historic buildings and monuments Conservation area schemes Management agreements for Scheduled monuments Regional Secular total
04/05 % 05/06 % 06/07 %
Objective C4: To conserve key strategic elements of the Historic Environment within the region. Action C4.1: Within the existing limited resources, the Region has selected three significant areas where support will be focused over next 3 years. These coincide with a number of regional and sub-regional strategic priorities. a) b) c) d) Birmingham - Jewellery Quarter Birmingham - Eastside Stoke on Trent – new urban strategy Ironbridge – World Heritage Site
Delivery mechanisms: a) Birmingham - Jewellery Quarter (BJQ) i) Regional Conservation staff work in partnership with Birmingham City Council and AWM to encourage formation of enhanced strategy and strategic team for BJQ management. Measure of success: Team appointed, strategy and action programme produced. ii) EH leading BJQ heritage attraction strategy. Measure of success: Strategy and action plan for shared infrastructure and markets support. iii) Culture 2000 Working Heritage Conference promoting BJQ approach. Measure of success: Conference held April 04. b) Birmingham – Eastside Regional Conservation staff will work in partnership with Birmingham City Council to ensure HE issues are addressed as part of the strategic development of this key urban area. Measure of success: HE issues addressed at strategic and local levels. c) Stoke on Trent i) Regional Conservation staff to support development of Stoke on Trent City Council urban strategy. Measure of success: Stoke on Trent City Urban strategy development programme produced by 2005. ii) Chatterley Whitfield (former colliery site) regeneration project led by English Partnerships and EH in partnership with Stoke City Council and AWM.
62 34 4
57 40 3
52 45 3
100
100
100
Delivery mechanism: Regional Conservation staff promote and administer Grant systems, including partnership with HLF delivering ‘Repair Grants Scheme for Places of Worship,’ in accordance with our priorities. Measure of success: a) Regional Buildings at Risk register reduced by 10% year on year. b) All Local Authorities in Region have conservation staff to provide in-house advice by 2005.
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Measure of success: All listed buildings and structures consolidated with long term funded maintenance programme in place by 2006. d) Ironbridge i) Regional Conservation staff support development of World Heritage Site management strategy delivered by new dedicated Conservation Officer. Measure of success: Dedicated Conservation Officer in post by 2005 and action plan agreed by partnership.
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ANNEX 1: PRINCIPLES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT The historic environment contributes to everyone’s quality of life by providing cultural, economic and social benefits. It shapes our identity, gives us pleasant and interesting places in which to live and work, and provides a resource for our education and enjoyment. We have a duty to respect and care for it, both for ourselves and future generations. Change in the historic environment is inevitable if it is to continue to meet the developing needs of the people who occupy it. They have fundamental rights, some implicit, some stated in legislation, including a right to a fair and public hearing on matters affecting their civil rights. These include specifics such as the right to privacy and the enjoyment of property, to non-discrimination on grounds of race, sex, ability or age, and to the provision of some public services; and more general expectations of social and economic regeneration, of access to and stability and attractiveness of the environment. Future generations have rights too, expressed through policies of sustainable development and protection of diversity. Effective management of the historic environment will recognise and seek to reconcile conservation objectives with these rights. Not all of the historic environment is equally valuable. Any consideration of change involves identifying the impact of a proposal on the value or significance of a place (not just on the fabric). Assessment must be based on an understanding of the historic environment and its significance, of the impact of the proposed change on significance, and of the wider policy framework within which the decision is being taken. Judgements must be taken in consultation with those involved, and communicated comprehensively and explicitly. The value of good design in the historic environment of today should be recognised as a contribution of today to the historic environment of the future.
These principles are common to the whole historic environment sector. In addition there is one additional principle specific to English Heritage: English Heritage will ensure that these principles are referred to and understood by all staff making decisions or offering advice relating to the historic environment, and that all such staff have the relevant training and have or have called on the necessary expertise. English Heritage accepts that its decisions and advice may not be fully and immediately supported by all those affected, but its views will be given in the best interests of the historic environment and its present and future enjoyment.
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