Stage 4: Draw conclusions to inform actions

Based on Stages 1 – 3, prepare a statement. This should explain how the significance of the subject should inform protection and future management. Identify opportunities to use this distinctiveness to inform place-making and design.

To support your application in different situations, use the 10 Guidance notes. They designed to support the main values of the Heritage Cycle.

These values are:

• Caring for Cornwall’s historic environment.
• Valuing Cornwall’s historic environment.
• Understanding Cornwall’s historic environment.
• Enjoying Cornwall’s historic environment.

Protection and future management. This includes the following:

• Assessment of the subject’s suitability for designation at national or local level
• Assessment of its significance and distinctiveness. Sources will include the Historic Environment Record, and the National Record for the Historic Environment.
• Identification of any risks to the site. Consider any risks to its Cornish distinctiveness.
• Considering the above, the development of plans for sustainable use and good maintenance

Opportunities for place-making. This means how the subject’s distinctiveness could be used imaginatively. Can it enhance and promote the sense of place of its locality. Opportunities might include the following:

• Considering how it contributes to the setting of any designated heritage assets.
• For derelict or under-used structures, consider appropriately designed re-use.
• Harnessing its Cornish distinctiveness to aid its conservation and maintenance. This might include ‘adoption’ by a local community group.
• Considering its potential to engage with its significance and local distinctiveness. Aim to better understand, interpret, communicate, or otherwise.
• Considering the relationship of the subject to natural environment growth or energy conservation. Developing constructive opportunities from these relationships.
• Considering the visitors interest in local distinctiveness. Including from within its immediate community elsewhere in Cornwall, as well as beyond.

Note: Not all place-making opportunities will be applicable to every assessment subject.

Worked example

Take me back: Introducing Cornish Distinctiveness

Take me back: Further Guidance and Worked Examples: Stage 1