Conservation and enhancement of heritage assets

SP15 – Conservation and enhancement of heritage assets This strategic policy is supporting Local Plan objectives 1 and 4. SP15: Conservation and enhancement of heritage assets 1. The Local Plan will ensure that Buckinghamshire’s historic environment is conserved and enhanced in a manor appropriate to its significance, sensitively managed, enjoyed and celebrated for its contribution to sustainable communities. Proposals will be supported where they: a) conserve designated heritage assets and their settings in a manor appropriate to their significance, giving great weight to their conservation, including securing appropriate and viable uses where this would support their long-term conservation. b) make a positive contribution to the character and local distinctiveness of the historic environment, including using innovative design. c) conserve or enhance historic landscapes, including historic parks and gardens and other landscapes that contribute to the significance and setting of heritage assets. d) secure the conservation and, where appropriate, the beneficial use of designated and non-designated heritage assets in a manner proportionate to their significance. e) support the sensitive regeneration, sustainable tourism and appropriate energy-efficiency improvements of heritage assets where these conserve their significance and secure their long-term viable use. f) positively secure the conservation and re-use of ‘at risk’ heritage assets. g) improve access and enjoyment of the historic environment where appropriate, particularly where they retain, create or facilitate public access to heritage assets to increase understanding of their significance. 2. Applicants will be required to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting, in a manner proportionate to the asset's significance and the potential impacts of the proposal through a Heritage Statement. The results should be submitted to the Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Record. In some circumstances, further survey, analysis and/or recording will be made a condition of consent. 3. Development proposals affecting heritage assets will be required to demonstrate that any harm to the significance of a heritage asset, including its setting, has been avoided or minimised. Where harm is identified, proposals will be assessed in accordance with national policy. 5.194 This strategic policy sets out the overarching approach to the conservation and enhancement of Heritage assets and their protection, while the development management policies provide the detailed considerations for each type of historic assets. 5.195 Buckinghamshire’s heritage is a rich blend of elements from its Anglo-Saxon roots, historic landed estates, and significant literary connections set within the scenic Chiltern Hills. It features renowned historic sites like Waddesdon Manor and Chequers, along with a deep, prehistoric, and Roman archaeology, and a 10th-century origin as a defensive Saxon County. Together, these elements contribute to the significance of Buckinghamshire’s historic environment, which the policy seeks to conserve and enhance. 5.196 Buckinghamshire includes many grand homes and gardens, including the National Trust's Waddesdon Manor, Cliveden, and West Wycombe Park, alongside Hughenden Manor. 5.197 Buckinghamshire has many Literary & Cultural Links: and has become known as "Roald Dahl country," because the famous writer lived in the county and visitors can explore the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden. Marlow was formerly home to poets Mary and Percy Shelley. 5.198 Buckinghamshire’s Key ancient sites include the Icknield Way (a prehistoric route), and an important landscape designation is the Chilterns National Landscape, another example of a famous historical site is the Hell-Fire Caves at West Wycombe. 5.199 Buckinghamshire played a crucial role during WWII, with intelligence operations at locations like Bletchley Park. There were many RAF bases across the county an example being RAF Halton which whilst the base is programmed for closure contains many historical military buildings not least some of the first RAF barrack blocks built in the country. 5.200 Buckinghamshire was traditionally more of a rural county focussed on farming cherry orchards and similar like agricultural enterprises rather than being an industrial area. However, some traditional industrial heritage buildings remain related to the traditional industries of the County such as the chair making industry around High Wycombe and the Boot and leather industry in Chesham for example. Agricultural buildings were small scale, but most farmsteads contained traditionally built agricultural buildings many now converted into houses. The Chiltern Open Air Museum provides a glimpse back into the past showing how many of those traditional buildings were used. 5.201 In addition to the nationally designated heritage assets such as its historic parks and gardens, which form an important part of its designated landscapes, Buckinghamshire has many locally important heritage assets, which contribute positively to the local character and identity of Buckinghamshire, and which are valued by local people. These heritage assets, which may be buildings, archaeological remains, parks, gardens or public works of art, sometimes have little or no protection, and over time these special places could be lost. Non designated h eritage assets (NDHAs) can be identified in several ways, they may be identified though the neighbourhood planning process or via a conservation area appraisal, some are identified through work associated with a planning application. To protect these features the Council has established a Local Heritage List. Once adopted, these assets become known as Locally listed non designated heritage assets. 5.202 Recognising the unique Historic heritage of Buckinghamshire the policy aims to protect and or enhance those historic elements that make up the character of the area and which once lost could not be replaced. The policy promotes protection or enhancement of the County’s heritage whist seeking where possible to improve the public access and or understanding of the feature. Well-preserved heritage environments can support mental wellbeing, foster a sense of belonging and pride, and encourage social interaction, cultural engagement and tourism. In addition, the reuse and regeneration of heritage assets can revitalise communities, support local economies and improve the quality of everyday environments, all of which contribute to wider determinants of health and help reduce inequalities by maintaining attractive, inclusive and well-functioning places. Sensitive adaptation of heritage assets, including improvements to energy efficiency, can support their long-term conservation and viable use. The Council will support the conservation and reuse of heritage assets identified as being at risk, recognising the importance of securing their long-term future. Where heritage assets may be affected by new development the policy requires a full study of the heritage asset to be undertaken, with findings submitted to the Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Record where appropriate.