Historic England: North Norfok conservation areas at risk

In recent days, Historic England have published their annual ‘Heritage At Risk’ document, including the regional breakdowns of ‘at risk’ properties and landscapes. A brief overview is available here.

One particular area of emphasis this year related to conservation areas. Conservation areas are places awarded a protected status by the local council, Historic England or the Secretary of State for the Environment in recognition of their special architectural or historical interest.

Here is what the overview above says about the general situation regarding conservation areas:

Conservation areas

Of particular concern is the high number of Conservation Areas on the Register in the 50th anniversary year. 47 Conservation Areas were added this year, making a total 512 at risk. A recent YouGov poll commissioned by Historic England found strong public support for conservation areas, but only a small majority of those surveyed who live in a conservation area (56%) were aware that they actually live in one. Historic England would like to see local authorities raising awareness of Conservation Areas, especially among homeowners and commercial property owners. Common problems facing Conservation Areas are unsympathetic doors, windows and new extensions, poorly maintained streets and neglected green space. Historic England continues to work with councils and other partners to address these issues.

 

As a part of this emphasis, Historic England identified 512 conservation areas at risk of neglect, decay or inappropriate change. Four of these conservation areas are located in North Norfolk. The regional report for the East of England is available here, with the section relevant to North Norfolk conservation areas appearing on page 45. The areas at risk include Fakenham, Cromer, Happisburgh and Melton Constable Park.

In fairness, North Norfolk includes rather a lot of conservation areas — 81, in fact — which is no surprise, given the region’s distinctive history, unique natural environment and unforgettable ambience. What is surprising, though, and also hugely concerning, is the way in which some of these areas have been allowed to deteriorate, in large part through poor stewardship on the part of the North Norfolk District Council.

To be included on the ‘Heritage at Risk’ register, the rate of deterioration has to be pretty spectacular, with the condition of the relevant areas listed as ‘poor’ to ‘very bad’. To what extent, then, are the four areas listed here only the tip of the iceberg?

NNDC has a duty to carry out conservation area appraisals for all the conservation areas in its ambit. But to what extent does it actually fulfill this obligation? And to what extent does it take seriously the sensitive management of conservation areas when making planning decisions?

Historic England’s report at the very least raises questions about NNDC’s real commitment to safeguarding North Norfolk’s conservation areas. The impression created is of a NNDC conservation setup that has, at best, slipped into a culture of inaction and indifference — or at worst, one where the interests of developers are given priority over the preservation of our unique, historic and valuable local environments.