HELM

HELM: HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT - LOCAL MANAGEMENT Information and training from English Heritage and partners for decision makers in local authorities

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Regeneration & DesignThe historic environment’s contribution to successful regeneration
Understanding & RecordingProper understanding of historic value leads to better, faster decision making
Place & PlacemakingHistoric places give communities a past and a future, providing identity, atmosphere and interest
Managing & ProtectingLocal authorities as key players in promoting the enjoyment, protection and management of the historic environment
FundingHow good management avoids the financial problems of damage and neglect

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Improvement measure	Compatibility with traditional building performance	Risk of loss of character	Reasons for caution
Hot water cylinder and pipework insulation			Building fabric can be damaged during installation Old parts of the heating system may be protected by the listing
Draught proofing			In most cases window should be repaired prior to draught proofing Difficult if the windows have moved far out of shape Difficult if the windows are older, metal-framed windows inappropriate if the doors or window are particularly fine or delicate
Loft insulation			It is important that cold loft spaces are properly ventilated - insulation should not block ventililation If the roof space has signs of condensation or water ingress - insulation will be ineffective and may worsen the problem insulation must not be laid over electric cables since they may overheat and cause fire
Cavity fill wall insulation			The risk of damp could be serious in houses with early cavity walls
Solid wall insulation			Treatments are often incompatible with traditional building performance There are very few instances where this will not harm the historic significance or appearance of the wall, either internally or externally the cost is often prohibitive
Double glazing			Will often result in significant change to the appearance of the building, and the irreversible loss of character The works are unlikely to be given consent if building is listed, in a conservation area, or is a traditional building in a national park, area of outstanding natural beauty or world heritage site In rare cases some old windows may have structural role (i.e they support the wall above)
Secondary glazing			Where installation might stop the operation of functional shutters If the secondary glazing will be difficult to open, to clean , or remove (if required) inappropriate where windows are used as emergency exits
Heat control upgrade			Take care not to damage historic fabric when laying new pipe or running wires
Fuel change
Solar water heating			Unlikely to be granted permission if the building is listed, in a conservation area, or is a traditional building in a national park, area of outstanding natural beauty or world heritage site, unless it can be sited unobtrusively If the roofline is deflected

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Managing Heritage Assets for Added Value
December 2009 - February 2010. The social, economic and environmental value of heritage assets has been proven beyond doubt but questions surrounding heritage protection remain. A strategic approach to conservation management as part of planning and development will help not only to protect and enhance conservation areas but also to achieve broader corporate objectives. A national seminar series has been developed by the Historic Towns Forum and English Heritage to support those in local authorities responsible for strategic management and policy making.
Planning and World Heritage
Wednesday 24 February 2010, Telford; Tuesday 2 March 2010, Newcastle upon Tyne. A 1-day event aimed at people involved in the planning system within World Heritage Sites, including Planners, Conservation Officers, WHS Co-ordinators and Councillors.

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