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National Heritage Award for Castle Howard
Castle Howard is celebrating after receiving a
prestigious planning award at a national ceremony hosted by the
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) in London on Thursday, 4
February 2010.
The estate’s Conservation Management Plan,
which was entered in the Heritage category of the RTPI’s annual
Planning Awards, was praised by the judges who said: “Castle Howard
has successfully implemented a dynamic management plan that is
rooted in the estate’s significance, values and special qualities
as a historic place”. They also said the management plan
broke new ground by “dealing with the socio-economic realities of
management and for offering a model for other plans”.
The Conservation Management Plan was written
in consultation with English Heritage, Ryedale District Council and
Natural England. It proposes a number of initiatives the 300
year-old estate can adopt to generate new and significant sources
of income to fund the ongoing restoration and conservation of its
200 listed buildings and monuments, and Grade 1 Registered Park and
Garden.
The Hon Simon Howard said: “With much of
Castle Howard built in the 18th century, we are finding that a lot
of our restoration projects need addressing at the same time.
This brings with it the unprecedented challenge of seeking a
substantial increase in revenue in order that we can carry out this
important work.
“This award acknowledges the collaborative
approach we undertook in developing our Conservation Management
Plan; as well as our dedication to retain the integrity and special
qualities of Castle Howard Estate for all who live and work
here.”
Over the last five decades Castle Howard has
committed millions of pounds to conservation and essential repairs,
in addition to regular spending on maintenance and management, as
part of the estates ongoing restoration and conservation
programme.
Castle Howard is one of the highest profile
historic estates in the United Kingdom containing many assets of
national significance. It is also a key driver for the
regional economy through its many business and tourism activities,
sustaining a workforce of some 250 people comprising full time,
part time and seasonal staff.
The Conservation Management Plan, which was
developed by PLB Consulting Ltd - led by Carolyn Lloyd Brown with
Alison Farmer - drew on the expertise of Castle Howard Estate,
English Heritage, Ryedale District Council and Natural England, in
addition to a wider pool of stakeholders and interested groups
including Parish Council representatives and estate employees.
Neil Redfern, North Yorkshire Team Leader with
English Heritage, said:
“This is a ground breaking, all embracing
management plan which covers the entire estate, which is reflected
in the fact that it has won this prestigious
award. The Castle Howard estate is one of richest
historic landscapes anywhere in Western Europe. To put this
into perspective, it has 20% of the highest category listed
structures in Ryedale, which itself is magnificently endowed with
historic treasures. Castle Howard is iconic and sells
Yorkshire to the world so having this plan in place to enhance and
maintain this wonderful asset is a major step forward for all the
partners involved.”
“The plan is a first class example of
innovative and sensitive partnership working,” said Julian Rudd,
Head of Economy and Housing for Ryedale District Council. “We are
delighted to be closely involved and look forward to working
closely with Castle Howard, English Heritage and others to
safeguard the future of this national treasure.”
An early outcome of the Conservation
Management Plan has been grant support from Natural England for the
restoration of the Grade I Listed Stray Walls.
For more information visit the Castle Howard
website.
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