Conservation is about negotiating the transition from past to future in such a way as to secure the transfer of maximum significance from past to future.” (Alan Holland and Kate Rawles, University of Lancaster)
“Places of cultural significance enrich people’s lives, often providing a deep and inspirational sense of connection to community and landscape, to the past and to lived experiences. They are historical records, that are important as tangible expressions of identity and experience. Places of cultural significance reflect the diversity of our communities, telling us about who we are and the past that has formed us and the landscape. They are irreplaceable and precious.” (Burra Charter, ICOMOS 1999)
The HHA estimates that approximately two-thirds of the built heritage is privately owned and maintained. Between them HHA members represent, collectively, one of the greatest stewardships of listed buildings in Britain: both I and II* properties as well as of Grade II properties, many being ancillary buildings on large estates.
However, the historic environment requires active management. It is not static: almost all of it is under continuous attack; particularly from weather, insects, decay, wear and tear, and vandalism. It naturally disintegrates and, once it is gone, it is irreplaceable.
And, of course, the wider world is not static either. Most historic structures and landscapes were created for a purpose … to live in, work in, produce goods in, shop in, worship in and so on. So long as these activities remain of value, buildings and landscapes will continue to be maintained.
Conservation must therefore embrace the fundamental issue of economic viability of the asset as a clear tenet. “Generally the best way of securing the upkeep of historic buildings and areas is to keep them in active use. For the great majority this must mean economically viable uses if they are to survive.” (Planning Policy Guidance Note 15)
Owners of historic places have extensive responsibilities in respect of their conservation of buildings and land, often at great personal cost. The HHA together with the wider heritage sector believes that private owners should be helped to maximise the resources available for maintenance. Privately owned historic property, although it contributes greatly to the economy, does not enjoy the tax status available to charities or the Government funding that supports English Heritage. Private owners are not eligible for Lottery or European grants for building repairs or maintenance, while Britain is the only major European country that does not allow some form of relief against tax for the maintenance of historic properties open to the public.