BIRMINGHAM HERITAGE PROTECTION

Birmingham Heritage protection

Birmingham Heritage protection

Introduction

English Heritage is the government's statutory adviser on the historic environment. We seek to unlock the potential of the historic environment through sustainable management of the best of our heritage, in partnership with national, regional and local decision-makers. One of our key aims is to develop guidance and advice to support all involved in this process. In order to create truly sustainable communities, current government programmes and projects, such as those relating to housing growth and renewal, need to have proper regard to local character and distinctiveness. The preservation and enhancement of England's historic environment is the principal means of achieving this. Conservation areas vary greatly in their nature and character. They include centres of historic towns and cities; fishing and mining villages; 19th- and 20th-century suburbs; model housing estates; country houses set in their historic parks, special farmed landscapes, and historic transport links and their environs, such as stretches of canal and railway lines. (Spencer, 2003, 56-87)

The special character of these areas does not come from the quality of their buildings alone. The historic layout of roads, paths and boundaries; characteristic building and paving materials; a particular 'mix' of building uses; public and private spaces, such as gardens, parks and greens; and trees and street furniture, which contribute to particular views - all these and more make up the familiar local scene of a conservation area. The first conservation areas were created in 1967, and there are now over 9,500 conservation areas in England. Conservation areas are designated under what is now s69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Explanation

Overall characteristics of the area

Though this is a 'national designation', Birmingham authorities have the power to designate conservation areas in any area of 'special architectural or historic interest'.  This 'specialness' is judged against Birmingham and regional criteria, rather than national importance as is the case with listing. English Heritage can designate conservation areas in London, where it has to consult the relevant Birmingham Borough Council and obtain the consent of the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport. The Secretary of State can also designate in exceptional circumstances - usually where the area is of more than Birmingham interest. Within a conservation area the Birmingham authority has extra controls over: (Spencer, 2003, 56-87)

demolition

minor developments

the protection of trees

How is English Heritage Involved?

The role of Birmingham Heritage is to help Birmingham authorities use their powers and resources to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of their conservation areas.

Advice to Birmingham authorities. We give national advice on how Birmingham authorities should identify, designate and manage conservation areas. Our aim is to help Birmingham authorities ensure that conservation areas are set up wherever there are districts worthy of designation. Birmingham authorities have to notify English Heritage of applications for major developments proposed in any conservation area countrywide. This applies to developments of over 1,000 square metres. Developments by the Birmingham authority itself have to be referred to the ...