Value and Control: Perceptions of Conserving the Built Environment in Local Planning Authority Practice

In this paper I explore values in conserving the built environment as applied by local planning authorities in two towns of different historical character, although comparable in size and statutory conservation responsibilities. A two-tier investigation involved exploring the conservation practices of these local authorities and examining four recent development cases. Interviews with a wide range of local players built up a picture of the perceptions of local conservation culture. The results suggest that tensions are created as the national emphasis towards conservation's more flexible contribution to regeneration is exposing weaknesses in some underlying assumptions. In drawing away from the traditional development control aspect and covering such a breadth of justifications, this creates professional, political, and public misunderstandings which may undermine support for conservation.