28 C O N T E X T 8 1 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 3 • archaeological and historical significance • prevailing and former uses • architectural features • spaces between buildings • trees and green spaces • landscape or townscape setting and views • traffic and movement patterns • development pressures. City of Edinburgh Council There are currently 38 very diverse conservation areas in Edinburgh; including the medieval Old Town, the Georgian New Town, Victorian suburbs and former villages. The City of Edinburgh Council commenced its programme of character appraisal preparation for its existing conservation areas in 1997. The principal purposes of the council’s character appraisals are to define the key elements, essential the constituent parts. However, in some conservation areas where the character is composite and the phases of development are distinct, it has been beneficial to analyse each area separately. When this approach is adopted, a summary of how the zones work collectively to produce the essential character of the conservation area is included. The format which has been adopted includes: • an introductionwhich details the purpose of character appraisals, date of designation, location of the conservation area and extent of its boundary, including a boundary map, the population statistic • historical origins and development which concentrates on the factors which have shaped the area • analysis and essential character which is considered under spatial structure and townscape, architectural character, activities and uses and natural heritage. Each separate section of which ends with a summary of the essential character. • opportunities for enhancement which identifies strengths and weakness, development pressures and includes broad principles for the implementation of an enhancement programme. Detailed enhancement schemes are not included, as it would make the appraisal unmanageable. • general information which details the key aims of the local plan, and makes reference to relevant local plan policies, other statutory designations, supplementary guidance, the removal of permitted development rights, existing and proposed Article 4 directions, listed building regulations and the protection of trees. This section concludes with information on the availability of grants giving a broad outline of what may be eligible for funding. The preparation of the character appraisals emphasises the opportunity to involve the local community at every stage from initial survey work to detailed consultation through public meetings, exhibitions and coverage in local newsletters. This ensures that conservation policies respond to local needs and aspirations, and receive broad local support in order to assist successful policy implementation. The input of local knowledge to the assessment of character can also be invaluable. Regular presentations on progress with the character appraisals are made to the Edinburgh Civic Forum, a group consisting of representatives of Edinburgh’s local amenity associations. All of the Edinburgh character appraisals have been produced for existing conservation areas to assist in the their more effective management with priority being given to those areas which require new or additional Article 4 direction orders. A total of 26 have been finalised since 1997 commencing with the Grange Conservation Area, the appraisal for which was nominated for a Scottish Executive Planning Award in 1999. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the City of Edinburgh Council. Jack Gillon is conservation officer in conservation and design, city development, City of Edinburgh Council References 1. National Planning Policy Guideline NPPG18: Planning and the Historic Environment, The Scottish Office Development Department, HMSO, Edinburgh, 1999 2. Conservation Area Appraisals: Defining the Special Architectural or Historic Interest of Conservation Areas, English Heritage, London, 1997 3. The Character of Conservation Areas, Royal Town Planning Institute, London, 1992 4. Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas, Historic Scotland, HMSO, Edinburgh, 1998 Further reading Campbell K, 1986, Scotland’s Conservation Areas: Retrospect and Prospect, Research Paper No 6, Department of Town and Country Planning, Heriot-Watt University/ Edinburgh College of Art Civic Trust, 1967, Conservation Areas: Preserving the architectural and historic scene, in Architects’ Journal, 18 January, 1967, pp 123-212 Planning and the Historic Environment, HMSO, London English Heritage, 1995, Conservation Area Practice: English Heritage Guidance on the Management of Conservation Areas, English Heritage, London Larkham P J, 1993, Conservation in Action: Evaluating Policy and Practice in the United Kingdom, in Town Planning Review,Vol 64, No 4, pp 351-357 Larkham P J, and Jones A N, 1993, The Character of Conservation Areas in Great Britain, in Town Planning Review,Vol 64, No 4, pp 395-433 Mageen A, 1998, Urban Conservation Policy Development: Character Appraisal and Analysis, in Journal of Architectural Conservation, No 3, pp 59-77 Worskett R, 1969, The Character of Towns: An Approach to Conservation, Architectural Press, London Central Edinburgh features and special qualities that contribute to each area’s architectural and historic interest, and to reinforce the council’s policy objectives of promoting, protecting and enhancing the environment. The appearance of the conservation area, its role and function within the wider urban context, the activity and vitality of its land uses and buildings, and its historic associations are all taken as contributing to the essential character. Emphasis is placed on the role of character appraisals in assisting on-going management, if used in conjunction with existing statutory planning policies, detailed guidance and site-specific development briefs. They establish a framework against which development proposals can be assessed for their impact on character and appearance and provide a sound basis, defensible on appeal, for local plan policies and development control decisions. They are a material consideration when considering applications for development and it is a requirement that applications for significant new developments should be accompanied by a contextual analysis that demonstrates how the proposals take account of the essential character of the area as identified in the document. The preparation of character appraisals for existing conservation areas has also enabled considered boundary review. The council emphasises that character appraisals should determine the distinctive qualities of the conservation area as a whole, rather than focus only on
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