Conservation areas and urban characterisation

Local planning authorities have a statutory obligation to designate as conservation areas places of special architectural or historic interest ‘the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’ and to develop enhancement proposals for them ‘from time to time’. AHP has researched and delivered conservation area appraisals and produced conservation area management plans for many authorities in England, helping planners to manage change and plan enhancements within the context of an area's special character.

AHP also has expertise in urban characterisation, including heritage assessments for masterplans linked to regeneration schemes; World Heritage Site reviews; surveys of buildings at risk; typological studies and interactive databases.