Location
St Pancras Old Church
Voluntary Action History Society study day: Voluntary Action and the Fight for Heritage: 50 Years of Conservation Areas
The Civic Amenities Act, with its powers to designate Conservation Areas, came into force on 27th July 1967. There are now 10,000 conservation areas, and new areas as well as extensions of existing areas are still being designated.The work of heritage volunteers and voluntary organisations, through participation in the work of conservation area advisory committees and through campaigning has demonstrated passionate commitment to protecting and enhancing the legacy of the past and the local people’s quality of life. What are the strengths and weaknesses of voluntary action in conservation areas? What are the challenges for the future in balancing the tensions of national vs local, economic development vs respect for the legacy of the past and the needs of local people? Are there research opportunities and priorities that will contribute to the way forward?
These and other questions will be explored during the Voluntary Action History’s Society’s study day at St. Pancras Old Church, located at the heart of an area in which the ‘inevitable’ drive for development has been staunchly contested.The study day offers a varied programme of talks, debate, a guided walk and a reception in a magnificent churchyard setting.