LONDON, UK.- The Government’s housing renewal programmes, affecting around one million homes, should take account of the unique social and architectural history of each place, of what local people value and of the qualities which once made it a successful community. This is put forward by English Heritage in a policy document 'pathfinder housing'.

English Heritage acknowledges that some reduction in the existing housing stock is necessary and that this will involve some demolition, but the historic environment offers a real opportunity to create better places and stronger communities. Low Demand Housing and the Historic Environment urges all involved in the nine Pathfinder Partnerships to:

undertake an assessment of the historic environment to help inform the regeneration of these areas
find out what local people value about the historic character of the area; address the local community’s wishes for the future of its historic buildings
repair and re-use old buildings where possible in preference to demolition. This is not only “greener” but avoids the sense of dislocation and loss of social cohesion caused by mass clearance projects in the past;
consider the workable pattern of houses, shops and transport routes provided by the existing street layout and see how new buildings might be successfully interwoven; and make a publicly accessible record of the way the place currently looks and of its heritage assets (which might include archaeology below ground).

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “English Heritage accepts the need for some demolition, but it is important that we learn from the past and do not unnecessarily sweep away places with real value that have the potential for imaginative renewal.”

Jeff Rooker, the Minister for Regeneration in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said: "It’s important that Pathfinders take into account the local heritage when developing their proposals. But we need to strike a balance between preserving the past and taking forward action to improve the quality of local housing, if we are to revitalise communities blighted by low demand.

"The Pathfinders are working closely with English Heritage and CABE in developing their proposals, to ensure they are not sweeping away the past indiscriminately, but incorporating it into their plans.

"As English Heritage recognises, some demolition will be necessary to help revitalise local housing markets but will only be used in a selective and carefully considered manner, following extensive consultation with residents and other stakeholders."

Some of the nine Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders created by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are already incorporating the need to conserve features of their local heritage into their programmes of work. To help Pathfinder Partnerships, English Heritage has developed a range of techniques that can be used to identify and assess historical significance in areas with low demand housing.

These have been piloted in the Merseyside Housing Market Renewal area. Similar techniques are being used by other Pathfinders and local authorities to inform their emerging strategies. Work is currently being undertaken by Gateshead Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Burnley Borough Council. English Heritage now wants to see all other Pathfinders undertaking historic assessments.

England’s terraced houses are one of the country’s most distinctive and important historic assets. The way terraces form a tight network with factories, mills, churches, pubs, shops and other public buildings, their architecture and brickwork, all these things make them the defining characteristic of a place and lend its inhabitants a strong sense of local identity.

Nor have terraced houses outlived their popularity. Houses can be combined and rear-yards and extensions imaginatively employed to create larger spaces and make terraces flexible for modern living. By understanding the history of a place, the historic environment can be used to inform and guide new development which respects and enhances local distinctiveness.

There are also environmental arguments against demolition. Recent English Heritage research found that, on the basis of projected repair costs over 30 years, the cost of repairing a typical Victorian terraced house was 40-60% cheaper than replacing it with a new home. Research has also demonstrated that older housing costs less to maintain and occupy over the long-term life of the dwelling than more modern housing. And with regular maintenance much historic housing could survive almost indefinitely.