What are conservation principles?
The ‘Conservation Principles’ guidance sets out a best practice conservation framework for all aspects of decision making affecting our historic environment.
Part 1 ‘Conservation Principles’ Guidance for the sustainable management of the historic environment in Northern Ireland’ sets out the six key guiding conservation principles:
- Principle 1 - the historic environment is of value to us all
- Principle 2 - everyone should be able to participate in sustaining the historic environment
- Principle 3 - understanding the significance of heritage assets is vital
- Principle 4 - heritage assets shall be managed to sustain their significance
- Principle 5 - decisions about change shall be reasonable, transparent and consistent
- Principle 6 - documenting and learning from decisions is essential
It also explains how significance is central to conservation, how to assess it, and use it as a tool to manage change.
Part 2 ‘Applying the Conservation Principles’ Guidance for the sustainable management of the historic environment in Northern Ireland’ sets out the different types of changes impacting a heritage asset. It explains how the conservation principles can guide decision making for each change, to achieve best conservation outcomes.