North Lanarkshire Council were seeking to prepare conservation area appraisals and management plans for three conservation areas in North Lanarkshire: Airdrie, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld village. The appraisals and management plans will guide the management of their conservation areas, to preserve and enhance their character and heritage. Once adopted by the Council, these documents will form an integral part of the statutory evidence report required to establish the basis for preparing their local development plan.
To prepare each conservation area appraisal we carried out a visual survey of the area to understand the elements of character and appearance that are desirable to preserve or enhance within the conservation area, and also what detracts from it or prevents an opportunity for enhancement. We also carried out research into the area’s history, including its spatial development. The management plan then sets out how to retain and enhance the character of the conservation area in future use, alteration and repair.
As part of the preparation of the documents a public consultation was held in each conservation area, in person and online. Their purpose was to gather further information about the area and the residents’ views on its character, architecture and public spaces, recent developments and where future investment should be focused.