A British Standard ..... Continued not shared by the majority of members, and it has not withdrawn its representation from the SubCommittee. I have argued in favour of any guide, code or standard that could enforce better building care and could improve the level of information that is submitted to local authorities with applications for listed building consent. Here, I have in mind the poor standard of drawing that is frequently submitted, and the evident lack of archival search that is so important in assessing the historic value of the property. I have argued for a set of definitions that allows consistent use in the United Kingdom and which is consistent with definitions used internationally. I have also argued for a readily available declaration of alternative principles for conservation so that policies for the care of historic buildings can be established on the basis of r&tionality. Such a general conformity can only be to the advantage of developers, conservation officers and the inspectorate when dialogue on building conservation is started. * * * At the time of writing (December 1988) the consultant is producing his draft. The synopsis of the main part of the publication is as follows: A. Forward B. Scope c. Definitions D. Principles E. Historic Construction F. Investigation G. Project analysis H. Conservation brief I. Materials and techniques J. Building services K. Organisation and procedure L. Contract documents M. Project initiation N. Preparatory work 0. Supervision P. Co-ordination Q. Records R. Maintenance s. Administration I In 1989, the draft will be open for public inspection and comment, and the particular way in which the contents are interpreted can only then be assessed. It is at this stage that the observations of members of the Association of Conservation Officers will be most useful. * * * As part of his comm1ss1on, the consultant has undertaken in-depth interviews with several practitioners. Interestingly, no interviews have been with anybody in local government; mainly they have been with private practitioners from the architectural and surveying professions. Some of the views produced by these interviews are critical of local authorities, particularly in the way in which planning and building controls are implemented. Reference was also made to the need for better stylistic analysis of historic buildings before building operations, and to the fatuity of trying to re-establish an 'ideal' period to which a building should be restored. * * * It would be helpful if members of the Association of Conservation Officers could collect their thoughts and consider in what ways the production of a British Standard publication could help them in their day-to-day dealings with historic buildings. At the moment, it is proposed that the publication should be a guide. I have argued for a more finite title by way of a code of procedure. There are many 'design guides' in existence, but they are by way of informal advice and can still be ignored by wilful owners. It would be helpful if members would consider the following questions with respect to their own dealings with historic buildings: l. What special pressures exist for which the formulation of a British Standard would be helpful? 2. What sources of reference do you consult for assistance? 3. What problems arise during the running of contracts? 4. What general improvements and developments would be welcomed? 5. What could help attack disrepair and promote better maintenance? 6. What would be helpful in planning appeals? * * * The consultant has advertised in the professional press for observation and comment on the subject; there is, accordingly, no reason why members should not address any comments directly to him. The address is as follows: Geoffrey Hutton, Hutton and Rostron, Architects, Netley House, Gomshall, Guildford, Surrey GUS 9QA Alternatively, members could post their observations to me so that I can compile them and present them to the sub-committee as well as to the consultant. My address is: c/o School of Planning, Oxford Polytechnic, Oxford, OX3 0BP For incorporation, it will be necessary to receive these comments by the end of March 1989. In making comment, based on their experience in practice, members will be furthering the cause of conservation by at least one step, and clarifying an aspect of practice that has for too long rested in the realm of magic. Roger France 23
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