2 Historic Value
Key to the sustainable reuse of an historic building is understanding where the historical value lies, for example:
- the building fabric and finishes (both original or later alterations);
- the contribution that the building makes to the streetscape
- its historical significance
- its rarity value; or
- an example of a particular servicing system, such as gas lighting or water power.
Historic Scotland compiles lists of buildings with a particular architectural or historical interest. "Permission must be sought before altering any building on the list, to ensure that its historical value is maintained".
This does not mean fossilising a building: insisting on strict conservation may mean that the building cannot viably be used and falls into ruin. However, the best viable use may not necessarily be the most profitable use: the aim should be to find a new economic use that is viable over the long term with minimum impact upon the special architectural and historic interest of the building or area.
NPPG18, paragraph 22
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2.2 History and Description
Consultants
- Outline to the client the restrictions that the Conservation Plan might place on the building.
- Look for opportunities to exploit aspects of the building/site that could be made to work in harmony with both the conclusions of the plan and the client’s needs.
- Think innovatively about alternative or additional uses, etc.