Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance - English Heritage

Applying the Principles
160 These Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance build on earlier statements
and experience, to formalise an approach which takes account of a wide
range of heritage values. They are intended to help everyone involved to take
account of the diverse ways in which people value the historic environment
as part of their cultural and natural heritage. They acknowledge that the
cultural and natural heritage values of places, including those reflected in
landscape designations, should be managed in parallel, fostering close
working relationships between cultural and natural heritage interests.
161 Balanced and justifiable decisions about change in the historic environment
depend upon understanding who values a place and why they do so, leading
to a clear statement of its significance and, with it, the ability to understand
the impact of the proposed change on that significance.
162 Every reasonable effort should be made to eliminate or minimise adverse
impacts on significant places. Ultimately, however, it may be necessary to
balance the public benefit of the proposed change against the harm to the
place. If so, the weight given to heritage values should be proportionate to
the significance of the place and the impact of the change upon it.
163 The historic environment is constantly changing, but each significant part of
it represents a finite resource. If it is not sustained, not only are its heritage
values eroded or lost, but so is its potential to give distinctiveness, meaning
and quality to the places in which people live, and provide people with a sense
of continuity and a source of identity. The historic environment is a social and
economic asset and a cultural resource for learning and enjoyment.
164 Although developed primarily to guide the activities of English Heritage staff,
we therefore commend these Principles, Policies and Guidance for adoption
and application by all involved with the historic environment and in making
decisions about its future.
CONCLUSION
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