The primary aim of the Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance is to support the quality of decision-making, with the ultimate objective of creating a management regime for all aspects of the historic environment that is clear and transparent in its purpose and sustainable in its application. It sets out six high-level principles:
The historic environment is a shared resource
Everyone should be able to participate in sustaining the historic environment
Understanding the significance of places is vital
Significant places should be managed to sustain their values
Decisions about change must be reasonable, transparent and consistent
Documenting and learning from decisions is essential
It is intended to give guidance on best practice. The principles are aimed at local authorities, property owners, developers and professional advisers,

Prepared for publication by: Anna McPherson