The effectiveness of conservation area legislation and policies in preserving and enhancing the built environment

The formal aims of conservation as embodied in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Section 69(a) places considerable weight on the idea of "preserve" and "enhance". This study examines how far the 1990 legislation and policies have been successful in enhancing and preserving the built environment, and to identify recommendations to overcome the problems of both the legislation and policies. The concept of conservation is seen to have a pluralist perspective. Developers, the general public, residents, amenity groups and professionals have their various viewpoints. This study, although based on the viewpoint of the planning profession, examines the views of the wider public who play an undeniable role in achieving the aims of conservation. This thesis will first review the approach of the London Borough of Hackney to the designation of conservation areas and the policies relating thereto. Attention will then be focused on the "successes" and "shortcomings" of the development control systems, as evidenced by the number of conservation area applications determined by the Borough, the various types of development and the planning appeal outcomes. Finally, a judgement will be made as to whether the demarcation of conservation areas in the London Borough of Hackney has led to increased social and economic imbalances.