Conservation Area [Character] Appraisals are the first step towards enhancing and conserving the character and appearance of a designated area, although the principles can be applied to any historic area regardless of its statutory status. Each area has a distinctive character that is a result of a combination of factors such as topography, historic development, streets, hedges, archaeological monuments, buildings and place names. Detailed research and fieldwork helps us to understand this character, how it has evolved over time, and how sensitive that character might be to change. This information can be a vital tool in the planning process; indeed Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 stresses the need for local planning authorities to define and record the special interest, character and appearance of all conservation areas in their districts.

The resulting report should help to make sustainable decisions about the future of the area through the development of a management strategy and design guidelines. While detailed guidance on the preparation of Conservation Area Appraisals does exist (English Heritage 2006), we at Archaeo-Environment recognise the usefulness of the methodology to developers and the local community and will adapt the methodology and report format to suit local needs and budgets. We have considerable experience in working with and consulting the local community and presenting information to local authority elected members. We are able to produce reports capable of being adopted formally through a local authority’s internal procedures prior to publication in support of the relevant supplementary planning documents and can present characterisation data on GIS, making future revision easy.

Project Profile : Weardale Villages ...click here for info