Explore our conclusions
3. CULTURAL HERITAGE
Do we still have to choose between the old and the new?
The separation of traditional vs modern does not exist for this generation in the same way it did throughout the 20th century. Our culture has slowly but radically shifted to one now that understands and sees the potential in what is already there, the value of place, identity and sustainability, and the recognition of this most importantly leads to a completely different mindset. It’s not “either/or” any more, and we must address what this means going forwards. Our institutions, which are already working more closely together, should be even more aligned so that English Heritage and Cabe at the Design Council speak with one voice, whilst retaining their own identities. Working together on PLACE Reviews to express a single viewpoint would represent the successful reconciliation of heritage and modernity in this country. We must finish what the heritage debate started over thirty years ago, now there is widespread recognition that preserving the old is no longer at odds with designing the new.
Who should decide which buildings get listed?
When advising on the settings of listed buildings as part of the statutory planning process, English Heritage should consult with PLACE Review Panels. With this new and broader definition of heritage as a sustainable and shared resource, the advice given to decision makers should be cross-disciplinary when considering the context of protected buildings. The process through which buildings are listed should be made less academic and more open, transparent and democratic. The value of our building stock is no longer just historical or architectural, it makes a major contribution to our collective memory and we should all have a say in what is listed, using information and communications technology.
Recommendations:
#34
English Heritage should review and assess the value of heritage assets in a more geographically, socially and historically equitable way. The process of listing buildings should be more democratic and transparent, particularly for listings of local significance. PLACE Review Panels within each local authority could help identify what is important locally.
#35
An English Heritage advisory arm should be represented on all PLACE Review Panels where heritage is involved, and PLACE Review Panellists should be involved in English Heritage consultation. After each review, English Heritage and PLACE Review Panels should provide a single co-ordinated response to local planning authorities within an agreed timeframe.
#36
PLACE Review Panels should offer strategic advice to local authorities on Conservation Areas. English Heritage should consult with PLACE Review Panels when advising on the settings of listed buildings as part of the statutory planning process.
Will the next generation value what we are building today?
What we build today will be our future heritage. It must be a sustainable and resilient resource that stands the test of time, as much of our past heritage has proven to be. “Long life, loose fit, low energy” should be the guiding principle when designing our future built heritage. For “long life”, a minimum life expectancy of 60 years is not unreasonable for new buildings, particularly housing, and architects, developers and planning policy should expect this. For “loose fit”, the planning system should have greater flexibility for use classes; and for “low energy”, carbon emissions should be considered over whole lifespans of buildings. Our existing places and buildings have a critical role to play in the sustainability of our towns and cities, and we must think similarly long term when designing our future heritage.
Our existing buildings are a valuable resource, and retrofitting should lead the carbon emissions and climate change agenda. Government should legislate to address the disproportionate VAT on retrofit and redistribute it to new build if necessary. Recent research from the Cut the VAT coalition has demonstrated that while there might be a short-term impact in VAT terms, it would provide much greater fiscal stimulus overall by increasing demand and boosting the construction industry through supply chains and increasing workforce. Architecture schools should include refurbishment and low-carbon retrofitting of old buildings in their curriculum and conservation and heritage issues in course content. This is an emerging and high-value market, and these skills are increasingly sought after, so they should be developed early and then with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) whilst in practice.
Recommendations:
#37
Local government could introduce policies and incentives for the adaptability and durability of buildings which would reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of our future heritage. There should be incentives for minimum lifespans of 60 years (unless there are clear reasons for not doing so), which particularly relates to housing.
#38
Local government could introduce policies whereby planning applications over a certain size require an analysis of operational and embedded carbon over a building’s lifetime, and building regulations should be updated accordingly.
#39
Government should reduce VAT rates on renovation and repair to 5% for private dwellings (excluding materials). This would incentivise maintaining and repairing well-designed buildings rather than the current situation which encourages demolition and new build (currently zero-rated VAT).
#40
Architecture schools should include refurbishment and low-carbon retrofitting of old buildings in their curriculum and project work and conservation and heritage issues in course content.