32 YEARBOOK 2026 Westmorland and Furness: the distinctive townscape, settlement pattern and hierarchy of spaces of Kendal provides an important precedent for new development in the town. Westmorland and Furness: connection between new development and the landscape, such as views out like this one are supported by the design code. to ensure appropriate materials or to echo the vernacular, but rather for new design to incorporate those qualities that make Cumbrian and Lakeland towns and villages so distinctive and special. This includes, where possible: having a variety and hierarchy of streets and spaces; having varying levels of enclosure and character in the public realm; having views out to the landscape or water that can connect and root the heart of a site to its context; design recognition for walkability, connectivity and permeability and the importance of edges, boundaries and transitions; and understanding the way historic places can often meet modern-day requirements of car parking, bin and cycle storage and private gardens in unconventional but effective ways. The intention is for these authoritywide codes to be complemented by codes focused on key development sites or settlements and parishes where the most change is anticipated, so design can respond to place in more specific ways. In conclusion, the historic environment and place are not simply ‘constraints’ or ‘considerations’ in regeneration plans or in new design. Instead, their abiding character, endurance and ability to adapt and evolve to changing needs suggest they are both the canary in the coalmine for how a place is performing now, and offer clues, opportunities and untapped potential to inform ways forward. For regeneration and new design to conserve historic places and assets, we as professionals need to look at heritage assets in their own right, but also as components of a living, breathing place. Owen Barton is an Associate Historic Environment Consultant based in LUC’s Manchester office, www.landuse.co.uk/team/owen-barton
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