Conservation Management Plan - Tamworth Borough Council

Importance to cultural life, tourism and regeneration (place making)
Tamworth Castle makes an important contribution to tourism and economic regeneration of Tamworth Town
centre. It creates significant economic benefit through the encouragement of tourism and has the potential to
make a significant contribution to establishing and maintaining economic vitality and sustainable communities. As
stated above much of the fabric of medieval and Georgian Tamworth has been lost (unlike Lichfield) which puts it at
a disadvantage when trying to attract visitors. This makes the castle in its parkland setting such a key asset for the
tourism offer for Tamworth.
The intense level of local, regional, national and international interest in the Staffordshire hoard and calls for part
of it to be displayed in the castle, demonstrates the level of importance history makes to the sense of pride of
Tamworth and the West Midlands region.
The local development frameworks (LDF) should set out a positive, proactive strategy for the conservation and
enjoyment of what survives of the historic environment of Tamworth, including the castle and its setting within the
town centre conservation area.
• Its influence on the character of the environment and an area’s sense of place
• It’s potential to be a catalyst for regeneration in the area, in particular through, leisure, tourism
and economic development
Quality of Place
The detailed guidance for PPS5 states that the government’s strategy for improving quality of place, World Class
Places CLG (2009) recognises the essential role of the historic environment in providing character and a sense of
identity to an area.
Tamworth Castle, as a heritage asset can inform and inspire place-making. It can also deliver wider community
benefits, such as better health and education outcomes, reduced levels of crime and improvements in community
cohesion and social inclusion.
Tamworth Castle can play a key role in defining place and in building local pride. The castle has a totemic value to
the community, providing a local focal point and a space for recreation and for people to meet (the bailey/castle
pleasure grounds).
Contribution to economic vitality and sustainable communities
• The social value to the community (custodian of community memories)
• The potential for heritage-led regeneration
• The potential to improve quality of life and sense of place
• The wider public benefits of conservation of the castle, in providing opportunities for recreation,
preservation of habitats and improved environmental quality
• Contribution to the attractiveness of the town centre streetscape and public open space.
• How to increase accessibility to and participation in the historic environment
• The economic potential of the castle
1.3.6 Ecological Significance
No statutory or non-statutory sites of nature conservation interest are present within the curtilage of the castle,
castle bailey area or immediately adjacent to it. The broad leaved woodland cover on the north side of the motte
is considered to be of ecological value at a local level for the range of fauna that it is likely to support, including
mammals and birds. However it is not considered to be of particular intrinsic value for the plant species that it
supports.
Planning Policy Statement 9 (PPS9) sets out guidance in relation to biodiversity and the planning process. Paragraph
10 on Ancient Woodland and other Important Natural Habitats states that aged or veteran trees are particularly
valuable for biodiversity and their loss should be avoided. Planning authorities should encourage the conservation
and retention of such trees as part of their development proposals.
58 Part 1 www.marionblockley.co.uk Tamworth Castle Conservation Management Plan