The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section covers the preservation of heritage assets and the reasoning behind the heritage policy. The councils will use statutory powers, including repair and urgent works notices, to protect buildings on national and local heritage at risk registers. The justification highlights the economic value of assets such as Warwick Castle and Shakespeare's family homes, and explains that new development affecting historic buildings must use appropriate materials, with uPVC windows, artificial roof slates and plastic rainwater goods given as common examples of unsuitable choices.
Heritage & character
Listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeology, historic parks and the character of historic places.
43 sections of the plan, in document order.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy covers conservation areas, locally listed historic assets and archaeology. There is a presumption in favour of keeping unlisted buildings that contribute positively to a conservation area, and total demolition is only allowed where a well-designed replacement would preserve or enhance the area. Changes to locally listed assets should use traditional materials and detailing. Development causing substantial harm to Scheduled Monuments or nationally important archaeological remains will be refused except in wholly exceptional circumstances, and archaeological remains must be evaluated before applications are decided.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains how conservation areas, locally listed assets and archaeology will be managed. Councils may use Article 4 Directions, which remove certain automatic development rights, to protect high quality townscapes and locally listed buildings. Warwick District Council keeps a list of locally important parks and gardens, such as Abbey Fields in Kenilworth and St Nicholas Park in Warwick, which will be considered in planning decisions. Applicants on strategic sites should check the Warwickshire Historic Environment Record, and field evaluation may be required where archaeological information is lacking.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects Registered Parks and Gardens and Registered Village Greens, which are formally recognised historic landscapes. Development affecting them is only supported where it conserves and enhances their historic significance, landscape character, biodiversity value and public amenity. Proposals must be landscape-led, preserve historic design and planting, deliver measurable Biodiversity Net Gain, safeguard openness and tranquillity, restore lost features where appropriate, and maintain public access. A proportionate Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy is required, plus a Heritage Impact Assessment where a designated heritage asset is affected.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the policy on historic parks, gardens and village greens. It describes them as irreplaceable historic landscapes that contribute significantly to local character, identity and biodiversity, often containing mature trees and species-rich habitats. A landscape-led approach ensures development respects historic design intent and setting. The justification notes development can also bring opportunities to reinstate lost landscape features and improve public access, and that the required assessments make sure change is well informed and well managed.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy addresses the tension between conserving heritage assets and tackling climate change. Proposals to improve the environmental performance of historic buildings will be supported where a well informed, sensitive design approach avoids compromising the asset's significance, and schemes that undo past inappropriate alterations will be viewed favourably. Applicants must understand how the building performs and its historic value, and assess reasonable alternatives that could avoid harm. Where conflict is unavoidable, the public benefit of cutting carbon emissions will be weighed against harm to the asset.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the policy balancing heritage conservation with climate action. Applicants must submit evidence showing sensitive design, following Historic England's Whole Building Approach, which is based on understanding the building and its significance, choosing proportionate interventions, and avoiding maladaptation, meaning changes that stop a building performing properly. The level of detail should match the asset's importance. Where harm would result, applicants must show what alternatives were considered, and further technical guidance from the councils is planned.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy introduces the protection of South Warwickshire's waterways. It describes them as a significant green and blue infrastructure resource with a key role in place-making, recreation and supporting biodiversity. Waterways are also key heritage assets, treasured by the community and by visitors. To retain their intrinsic value, the policy states they must be protected.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the full waterways policy. Development affecting waterways must not harm water quality, heritage, landscape, biodiversity or the usability of towpaths, and should improve access and active travel routes. On navigable waterways, moorings and marinas are supported where they do not damage the waterway or its surroundings, with canal regeneration encouraged, notably around the Grand Union Canal Conservation Area. Culverts are permitted for access only. Major schemes should consider new moorings for boat dwellers and strategic opportunities such as the Tach Brook re-naturalisation and a River Avon Linear Park.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out how advertisements will be controlled so they do not harm local character or highway safety. Adverts must not be excessive in size, design, colour, materials or illumination, and externally illuminated signs are preferred, especially in Conservation Areas. Digital displays and internally lit signs are discouraged near listed buildings and in Conservation Areas. Adverts should sit within the premises they relate to and must not obscure views, safety cameras or road signs, or distract drivers.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy controls advertisements so they do not compromise amenity or highway safety. Adverts will be refused where their size, design, colour, materials or illumination would unduly harm a building's character or setting, with externally lit signs preferred, especially in conservation areas. Signage should be kept to a minimum, and digital displays and internally illuminated signs are discouraged in conservation areas and near listed buildings. Unacceptable safety impacts include blocking safety cameras, reducing natural surveillance or distracting road users.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires development in Conservation Areas to preserve or enhance their character and appearance, having regard to siting, density, scale, height and design. Natural materials matching existing buildings should be used, and important views into, out of and within the area must be protected. Demolition of unlisted buildings that make a positive contribution will be resisted, and trees that contribute to character will be protected, with Tree Preservation Orders made where needed. Buckinghamshire has 179 Conservation Areas, and a programme to review them all has begun.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy requires all development to conserve heritage assets, including their settings, in a manner appropriate to their significance. Heritage statements or archaeological evaluations must accompany proposals affecting heritage assets. Proposals causing substantial harm to a designated asset will be refused unless public benefits clearly outweigh the harm, and lesser harm must also be weighed against public benefits. Buckinghamshire has 5,877 listed buildings, 41 registered historic parks and gardens and 147 scheduled monuments. Important archaeological remains should be preserved in place where possible.