Waterways

Policy Justification Our historic environment has a significant part to play to address climate change and reduce energy consumption. However, the need to conserve the historic significance of heritage assets creates unique challenges when considering environmental performance enhancements. The Councils recognise these challenges and acknowledge that in some circumstances, harm to historic significance may be unavoidable. In such situations any harm will be balanced against the public benefits of mitigating climate change an d reducing carbon emissions. To allow this balancing exercise to be undertaken a key requirement of the policy is for applicants to submit sufficient supporting evidence to demonstrate how the proposals have been sensitively designed . This should consider the Whole Building Approach developed by Historic England which is based on: • An understanding of the asset and how it performs; • An understanding of the significance of a historic building, including the contribution of its setting; • Prioritising interventions that are proportionate, effective and sustainable; and • Avoiding and minimising harm and the risk of maladaptation23. The level of detail required should be proportionate to the asset’s importance and no more than is necessary to understand the potential impact of the proposal on historic significance. Where proposals result in harm to historic significance, applicants must demonstrate what alternative options have been considered to avoid harm and why the proposed measures have been chosen. When preparing supporting information applicants should take into account relevant guidance from Historic England and where appropriate, show that proposals achieve meaningful energy and carbon efficiency improvements/benefits. In this regard proposals should consider the provisions of the ‘Energy Performance Improvements in Existing Buildings’ policy. To further assist applicants, it is intended to produce additional technical guidance providing more information on the Council’s expectations in this area and due regard should be had to any such guidance issued. Policy BN.13 Waterways South Warwickshire’s Waterways are a significant Green and Blue Infrastructure resource, that play a key role in place-making, recreation and supporting biodiversity. They are key heritage assets and treasured by the community and visitors. In order to retain their intrinsic value, they must be protected. 23 Historic England’s advice note Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency (HEAN 18) defines maladaptation as ‘changes to a building which prevent it from performing appropriately in relation to energy efficiency, carbon reduction, building performance, or the health, safety, well-being and comfort of occupants’