Those who live in or visit Britain’s unique heritage of small historic towns and villages value them as an irreplaceable...
Those who live in or visit Britain’s unique heritage of small historic towns and villages value them as an irreplaceable national asset. In each region they have their own special character and setting.
Can we afford to lose this precious inheritance because of unsympathetic, unsuitable and out-of-scale development? Surely every effort must be made to preserve the essential character of these towns and villages for future generations. Their conservation is far more than a local matter. It touches the whole population, as well as visitors from all over the world. Indeed, the attractiveness of Britain’s historic towns and villages is an impor tant economic asset as well as an environmental issue. Our concern is for the buildings, many of them listed, in their setting in the countryside, and for maintaining the harmony of materials, design and scale which form the overall character of each place. There must be care for detail – shop fronts and signs, window-frames and doors as well as street furniture which fit the local scene and add to, rather than detract from its harmony.
Unlike national bodies and regional authorities, which have wider responsibilities, ASHTAV, through the lo cal societies, groups and councils which are our members, possesses a wealth of local knowledge and commit ment. Our members, working together with other like-minded organisations are well placed to care for the vast wealth of architecture, history and community life which surrounds them.
We concentrate on the particular needs and concerns of small historic places. We co-ordinate and encourage mutual support amongst our members, facilitating the exchange of experience and expertise and providing opportunities through seminars and lectures for increasing knowledge of conservation issues and the planning process. We also provide a corporate national voice on matters of concern to our members generally.
ASHTAV’s objectives are:
- Uniting Amenity Societies and Groups, Parish and Town Councils in small historic towns and villages in a common effort for the preservation, protection and, where appropriate, sensitive adaptation of their features of historic and public interest.
- Encouraging high standards of architecture and planning.
- Stimulating the public interest and care for the beauty, character and fabric of small historic towns and vil lages in the context of an understanding of the social and economic changes which affect them.
ASHTAV recognises the many social and economic changes affecting town and village life – the growth of industry and tourism, the migration from large towns and cities to the countryside, the decline of traditional agriculture and demographic change. These changes inevitably alter the pattern of life in rural Britain. They cannot be resisted but they should be introduced with respect for existing patterns and values.
New developments can take place with sensitive consultation and respect for the existing scene and community life. Our aim is to ensure that wherever change is thought to be necessary, those whom it most directly affects are equipped to take a full and effective part in the decisions involved.
ASHTAV receives grants from English Heritage and other bodies, but is otherwise self supporting and relies on the commitment and voluntary effort of its members and Fiends.
