INTRODUCTION

At the beginning of the second decade of the twenty first century the historic environ­ ment is facing a number of challenges which may be heading in new and unforeseen directions. The increasing use of English Heritage’s Conservation Principles, followed by the publication of PPS5 have changed not only the terminology of heritage but also the issues to be considered and means of analysis. If we add the volatile mix of Big Society and Localism, there is a real sense of the historic environment being in a state of flux.

Is this leading to ‘Heritage Creep’ where seemingly anything that is of some age or cultural interest must be preserved? Or is it closer to the truth that the established values of conservation are being eroded and anything goes as long as some sort of public benefit accrues?

In this, the sixth of our IHBC London conferences, speakers will examine these changing aspects of conservation, including: how PPS5 is being used; significance and proportionality; localism in practice; and changing practices in listing including Local Lists. Case studies will illustrate current practice. Our speakers are from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and from the private, public and third sectors.

The conference will be of relevance to conservation officers and other heritage professionals, architects, planners, urban designers, surveyors and archaeologists.