CH3 Physical features

Clearly identify the priorities for enhanced preservation and recording of physical heritage features in the North Pennines (based on existing research frameworks), and identify climate change risks and mitigation as part of this process

See case study Box 1 : Dukesfield Documents

Use the planning system to avoid the piecemeal erosion of the historic landscape character (settlement patterns, field boundaries, woodland and wood pasture, parklands, mining landscapes etc.)

Use incentive schemes and grants to strengthen the historic landscape character (settlement patterns, field boundaries, woodland and wood pasture, parklands, mining landscapes etc.)

Source materials from the North Pennines where possible. Stone should be of similar colour, appearance, porosity and performance to ensure appropriate repair and preserve landscape character. (See the Building Stones Database for England to assist in sourcing building stones)

Ensure the supply of local building materials is adequate for ongoing building repairs & maintenance, including by:

• Considering re-opening specific quarries for specific large, funded projects
• Creating a database of small quarries with information on resource, permissions etc.

Run training workshops for homeowners (of historic buildings) to give them the skills, knowledge and confidence to engage with contractors and accredited professionals, and to use appropriate materials.

Signpost guidance documents for owners of historic properties, including:

• North Pennines Planning and  Design Guide
• Historic England (HE) Looking after Historic Buildings
• Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) Toolbox
• Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Knowledge Base
• Historic Environment Scotland Publications

Signpost conservation accredited professionals for owners of historic properties, including:

• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Conservation Register
• Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) Register
• Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Building Conservation Accreditation Register
• Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) Conservation Accreditation Register

Create and capitalise on cross-disciplinary exchanges between nature and cultural heritage professionals to encourage communication and collaboration and to help strengthen the historic environment in proposals for landscape change. (e.g. invite Historic Environment Working Group (HEWG) and Historic England colleagues to nature-focussed site visits)

Ensure project funding bids for historic environment projects include the resources for training of contractors and other professionals (surveyors, architects, engineers, conservation officers)

Use the tendering process for historic environment projects to support training objectives, including:

• the accreditation of professionals
• training and professional development for contractors
• apprenticeships and bursaries to develop contractor capacity training for the volunteer public