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A guide to development in the historic environment
THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
Four Historic Buildings
Clockwise from top left:
Midland Hotel, Morecambe; St. John's Church, Gressingham;
Middle Highfield, Aughton; Carr House, Bretherton.
Lancashire's built heritage includes historic buildings of many sizes, periods and types, ranging from the humblest barn to the grandest mansion. This remarkable richness and variety reflects the distinctive aspects of the County's history. Lancashire's buildings are valuable and significant, both in themselves and for their contribution towards education, recreation and the economic life of the County, and the quality of life enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
India Mill, Darwen
India Mill, Darwen
Marsh Mill, Thornton Cleveleys
The report on this work should accompany the planning application, and include an assessment of the archaeological effects of the development and any measures proposed to reduce its impact. The Local Planning Authority may defer a planning decision until this information is available.
Where archaeological remains exist the first priority is preservation in situ. To achieve this, the archaeological impact of the development should be minimised by, for example, sympathetic foundation design or amendments to the layout. This is often the most cost-effective solution. If this is not feasible, then detailed archaeological recording (normally by means of excavation and survey) and publication is the second best option. Such work will provide a lasting record of Archaeological evidence unavoidably destroyed by development. Similarly, where works to an historic building are proposed there may be a need for an archaeological record of the structure to be made.
* the significance of the building
* the exact nature of the proposals and their likely effects on the special interest of the building and its setting.
The principal legislation is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Guidance on the implementation of the Act is set out in Planning Policy Guidance 15, Planning and the Historic Environment (1994). That advice is supported by policies relating to historic buildings, archaeology and development set out in the Lancashire Structure Plan and Local Plans.
Lancashire County Council seeks to establish a sustainable approach to managing change in historic buildings. It recognises that the useful existence of buildings can be prolonged by repairing or replacing original fabric and by adaptation to alternative uses.
Early consultation with the Lancashire County Archaeology Service and the appropriate District Conservation Officer, preferably at the planning and design stage of a conservation or development project, can aid and inform decision-making, avoid later problems and save money.
Recording for Conservation and Development
Building Recording in Process
Building Recording in Process
© Jason Wood
Recording can inform conservation and development proposals and guide sensitive management and interpretation. It can also increase an owner's awareness of a buildings value and significance.
Sympathetic alteration and economic re-use of an historic building can only be achieved effectively through a good understanding of the building's history, development, functions, materials, and present condition. Successful conservation and development therefore relies on adequate documentation. This is why the planning guidance recommends that historic buildings are recorded and analysed prior to change.
St. George's Quay, Lancaster
St. George's Quay, Lancaster
© Jason Wood
The most sensible way to develop a scheme is first to gain an understanding of the building's historic interest, relate this to the proposed changes, and then examine the likely effects. For example, will the alterations obscure or remove an important feature of the building's history, or will the proposals bring a derelict building into appropriate new use?
On the basis of this initial appraisal, it may be necessary to undertake more detailed recording. Clearly not all buildings need to be recorded in the same detail; different circumstances will demand different responses. The scope and level of recording will be dependent on a number of factors such as the type and complexity of the building and the nature and scale of proposed works. The recording may include:
The report on this work should accompany the Planning and/or Listed Building Consent application, and include an assessment of the historical development and significance of the building and any features of special interest, paying particular attention to those areas that are likely to be effected by the proposed works. The Local Planning Authority is entitled to defer a decision until this information is available.
Recording is worthwhile in assisting both the formulation of proposals and in obtaining consent. In most instances it is not an expensive exercise.
Greave Clough, Bacup
Greave Clough, Bacup
Where a proposal has been granted consent but entails alteration or loss of historic fabric applicants may be asked to make provision for a further scheme of recording. This may be secured by use of voluntary or legal agreement or by Planning Conditions.
For instance, it may be necessary to arrange the recording of hidden features that might be revealed during the course of works or more detailed analysis of the parts of the building to be destroyed. It is important that these records are made in advance of repair and conservation and before partial or total loss of fabric through alteration, destruction or concealment. Afterwards the record should be deposited with an appropriate archive. Such recording should be an integral part of the works schedule and project budget.
St. John's Church, Burscough Bridge
St. Johns Church, Burscough Bridge
In most cases, recording historic buildings should be carried out by a suita> bly experienced contractor/consultant according to a brief approved by the Lancashire County Archaeology Service and the District Conservation Officer.
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