Planning and urban conservation in Germany and England

This thesis explores the hypothesis that the link between planning and conservation is closer in England than in Germany. For each country the study examines the definitions of planning and of conservation, their motives and goals, their evolution, as well as the legislation and agents and functions relevant to conservation. The data is qualitative, gained through interviews and the analysis of documentation in both countries. The research strategy is that of a cross-national comparison. The links between planning and conservation are indeed closer in England than in Germany in all aspects examined. Thus, for example, the planning legislation in England is also the conservation legislation, while in Germany, there are separate sets of legislation. The 'agents' who perform conservation functions are primarily associated with the planning system in England, but with independent 'conservation authorities' (controlled by the cultural ministries of the Lander) in Germany. Change is occurring in both countries. England seems to be moving away from the ideal of 'integrated conservation' (as defined by the Council of Europe) by setting up separate government departments and bodies for certain conservation functions, including listing, and by the possible development of a separate 'conservation profession'. In Germany, there are moves towards integrated conservation in the eastern Lander involving the increased use of instruments defined in the planning (rather than the conservation) legislation to designate conservation areas, and the increased concern for the historic built environment by planners. Nevertheless, on the whole, the situation remains that there are entirely autonomous planning and conservation 'systems' in Germany, and a very close relationship between planning and conservation within the framework of the planning system in England.