Aimée L Felton 2012

67 The MOD, technically Crown exempt (therefore not under government jurisdiction), has Principle Conservation Architects employed within Defence Estates.These professionals act as a ‘less theoretical, professionally neutral and more diplomatic Conservation Officer’ (ibid.) aiming to bridge the cultural gap between heritage bodies and the military use of historic buildings, as well as the various statutory bodies. Although not specific to military and governmental buildings, the MOD aim to follow best practice procedures with regard to all historic buildings, following guidance as set out by guidance documents produced by English Heritage and the DCMS. The MOD, and relevant property managers, conduct annual condition surveys of their properties - the terminology within the organisational documents is a ‘Thematic Study’ (MOD. 2006:6.p10).The organisation have in place a programme of complete coverage of condition assessments for listed buildings and scheduled monuments and ensure heritage requirements are reflected withinmaintenance and repair regimes on the estate.Recommendations arising from condition assessments are incorporated into site programme of repairs (within a costed and prioritised framework) and management plans (MOD. 2010:p4). Ensuring that any new development, minor works, refurbishment or routine maintenance of any site/building, reflects and where possible enhances the heritage value of the asset or site. It is also at this point where scheduled monuments are appraised to de-schedule and award the relevant listing status in order to help the current anomalous arrangement between complex regeneration and conservation schemes and the local community. Quadrennial inspections undertaken by specialist conservation consultants are commissioned to prioritise necessary repair and major maintenance Legislative concerns to cultural significance Maintenance principles to protect cultural significance SEVEN Chapter Seven - Case Study - MOD Aimee Felton