Forest of Dean District Council and Historic England are working together on a new scheme to strengthen the protection of the district’s historic environment through the use of a new Conservation Hub.

The Hub is an innovative online resource which is the product of work specially commissioned in partnership with Historic England. It will help inform future planning decisions and policy formulation to ensure that the Forest of Dean’s rich built heritage continues to be recognised, understood and protected for future generations.

In addition, the Hub will be a valuable tool to inform and guide heritage-led economic regeneration and social wellbeing activities by the District Council, local partners and stakeholders.

Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Adrian Birch, said: “The Forest of Dean has a unique and diverse heritage that is valued by residents and visitors alike.

“With funding and support from Historic England, the work so far in analysing conservation areas across the district has been incredibly valuable, bringing together key information about the district’s conservation areas and providing a central resource to support decision-making and improve the understanding of local heritage assets.

“This is about protecting the character of our towns and villages while supporting appropriate development that respects the historic environment. The hub will be an important tool in helping us make well-informed decisions and safeguard our heritage for future generations.”

The Forest of Dean is home to a wide range of historic settlements, buildings and landscapes that contribute to the distinctive identity of the district. The district's 27 conservation designation areas play a vital role in preserving the character and appearance of these places, helping to safeguard the qualities that make local communities attractive places to live, work and visit. The project brings together a wealth of information in one place so that it is readily available to everyone.

The Conservation Hub has been divided into three sections: analysis and comparison of all 27 conservation areas, detailed and interactive Explorer Hubs, and easy-to-read Summary Sheets. Through these, users can discover how their conservation area compares with others, what makes it special, learn about local strengths and weaknesses, and identify opportunities for positive change.

Rebecca Barrett, South West Regional Director at Historic England, said: “We’ve valued working with the council on this new practical tool to help people make well-informed changes relating to the district’s conservation areas.

"This is a great example of putting heritage at the centre of local decision-making, helping create places where people feel proud to live, work and belong.”

Using the Conservation Hub underlines the council’s commitment to balancing growth with the protection of the area’s historic environment, providing a stronger evidence base for planning, management and investment decisions, helping to ensure that development is carefully considered and that opportunities to conserve and enhance heritage assets are fully recognised.

The Conservation Hub will help planners, councillors, developers, residents and others access up-to-date evidence about the historic significance and special character of conservation areas across the district and the issues affecting them.