Conservation management plan
A conservation management plan (CMP) is a document that helps develop the management strategy for historic assets, sites and places. It explains the significance of the asset and examines how any future use, management, alteration or repair will be carried out in order to retain that significance. It informs the way an asset is conserved and managed, by establishing why the asset matters and what matters about it.
CMPs help to manage the often many different features and diverse interests that need to be considered in relation to historic assets. They are particularly useful for assets such as:
- New buildings in heritage settings.
- Habitats, landscapes or open spaces.
- Spaces in historic buildings.
- Buildings or institutions with heritage assets.
CMPs do not necessarily need to be lengthy documents. Instead they should be compiled and structured so that they can be easily-referenced by those managing the site. Complex sites will often have a range of plans in place already, but these may only focus on one type of heritage, whereas a CMP provides a holistic view, collating issues and plans. A CMP should be well-illustrated, with key issues highlighted in diagrams.
Property teams must work in collaboration to prepare CMPs, with the assistance of expert consultants if necessary. The stages involved in creating a CMP might include:
- Deciding why the CMP is needed and how it will be used.
- Identifying stakeholders.
- Understanding the asset.
- Assessing the significance of the asset.
- Exploring relevant issues.
- Setting policy aims and objectives.
- Implementing the CMP.
- Monitoring and reviewing the CMP.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit developed by City of London and Purcell
The toolkit is designed to provide clear and actionable guidance for owners, occupiers and caretakers of historic and listed buildings.
70 countries sign Declaration de Chaillot at Buildings & Climate Global Forum
The declaration is a foundational document enabling progress towards a ‘rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector’
Bookings open for IHBC Annual School 12-15 June 2024
Theme: Place and Building Care - Finance, Policy and People in Conservation Practice
Rare Sliding Canal Bridge in the UK gets a Major Update
A moveable rail bridge over the Stainforth and Keadby Canal in the Midlands in England has been completely overhauled.
'Restoration and Renewal: Developing the strategic case' Published
The House of Commons Library has published the research briefing, outlining the different options for the Palace of Westminster.
Brum’s Broad Street skyscraper plans approved with unusual rule for residents
A report by a council officer says that the development would provide for a mix of accommodation in a ‘high quality, secure environment...
English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023
Initial findings from the English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023 have been published.
Audit Wales research report: Sustainable development?
A new report from Audit Wales examines how Welsh Councils are supporting repurposing and regeneration of vacant properties and brownfield sites.
New Guidance Launched on ‘Understanding Special Historic Interest in Listing’
Historic England (HE) has published this guidance to help people better understand special historic interest, one of the two main criteria used to decide whether a building can be listed or not.
"Conservation Professional Practice Principles" to be updated by IHBC, HTVF, CV
IHBC, HTVF, and CV look to renew this cross-sector statement on practice principles for specialists working in built and historic environment conservation roles.