Following the launch of the Historic England ‘At risk’ register, the IHBC supports concerns that, in the 50th anniversary year of Conservation Areas, more twice as many are added to the Register (47) as removed (22), giving a total of 512 Conservation Areas ‘at risk’ in England for 2017.
IHBC Chair James Caird said: ‘The IHBC fully supports Historic England’s concerns over the scale of the degradation of these critical highlights of community-owned heritage.’
‘We are delighted to be able to welcome its commitment to continue to work with councils and other partners to address these issues.’
‘Clearly the presence of a local authority Conservation Officer or service is not the sole determinant of conservation area quality, but our data on local conservation services shows that best and cheapest way to keep Conservation Areas from harm is to have a suitably skilled Conservation Officer in place, working directly with the local community and heritage interests.’
Historic England writes of ‘at risk’ heritage resources in 2017:
… Of particular concern is the high number of Conservation Areas on the Register in the 50th anniversary year. 47 Conservation Areas were added this year, making a total 512 at risk. A recent YouGov poll commissioned by Historic England found strong public support for conservation areas, but only a small majority of those surveyed who live in a conservation area (56%) were aware that they actually live in one. Historic England would like to see local authorities raising awareness of Conservation Areas, especially among homeowners and commercial property owners.
Common problems facing Conservation Areas are unsympathetic doors, windows and new extensions, poorly maintained streets and neglected green space.
Historic England continues to work with councils and other partners to address these issues.
To make your voice heard on how conservation cuts impact on your area, for England feed into the Civic Voice survey advertised HERE
Read the BBC News article and see background to heritage at risk
