David Barton is a conservation consultant and writer, advocating for traditional vernacular architecture
It is important to delineate between the official quango definition and that version utilised by myself and others pursuing the best possible areas across the British Isles and indeed the Globe, given the wider recognised meaning of this concept that aligns with mine. There is ample opportunity at any level- be it an individual campaigner, a consultant, prospective candidate or elected representative to do something about this.
I have previously written about getting involved in consultations raised at all levels, especially the Local Plan, however I would especially like to encourage anyone even Conservation-minded to consider an historic building or setting and enquire as to what they can do to support the key stakeholders there, especially Property Owners who may be less predisposed towards either pursuing certain Planning Applications and/ or demolition.
To be clear I am advocating directly for the assistance of said third parties as opposed to merely providing free PR through the creation of amateur videos and sharing of others’ posts which unfortunately I have observed most people across the political spectrum to do since digital media was established. This may include site visits, undertaking research on behalf an in conjunction to the property owners and putting the right Specialist people together. Only a genuine person will know how to achieve these things, but it is essential to tackle those buildings and places at most risk including those that may be slated for demolition. It is insufficient to simply criticise the Opposition from the sidelines without having a go yourself so long as your support is clean of overt political messaging.
Placemaking itself should be actively pursued by canvassing the real-time desires and needs of the local community and reaching out to those that may facilitate actual change. Yes- this includes prospective independent businesses and retailers as well as corporates; however for any opposition parties that may be reading this, I would remind you of your previous attacks on enterprise and, indeed sinister national legislation that has caused a concerning tidal wave of emigration, especially from London since 2024.
Of course, legislation is ever-changing; however, the basic requirements of any one area or place will for the most art remain the same, such as, which areas need more homes and in which local Traditional Vernacular style; which roads need improved drainage & flooding defences and most importantly which individual shops that will secure guaranteed spending and sustained usage.
Out of all these examples there is so much that can be done now, such as the production of Neighbourhood Plans, Submission requests and indeed actually cleaning a local area either through approved voluntary means and/ or raising funding or personnel to complete any one task. This latter point admittedly can be much harder, but where there is a long track record of staying neutral or pro commerce through documented campaigning this can be incredibly helpful when anticipating any Copycat Campaigns from the Opposition Parties.
As for anecdotes of my own ventures into Placemaking, I have focused upon conservation and restoration of both civic assets and privately-owned ones, particularly along Lord Street and the Promenade, Southport when I was originally elected. Such was the overwhelming success that I had securing my funding through my clean campaigning style at all times that I chose to carry this through into my community campaigning, whereupon I have been able to continuously assist many key stakeholders both old and new.
Whilst elected representatives will always have the advantage of knowing planning decisions generally at least three weeks in advance when considering planning applications and indeed larger district and Borough-wider issues up to months and years ahead, especially if said representatives belong to any Overview & Scrutiny Committees, this is where the real value of being a true local grassroots campaigner is demonstrated clearly. It soon becomes apparent that this person who has followed things themselves in real life outside of the political sphere can be a huge asset to their local Association, whether they are liked or not.
Where people can claim in good faith to have played a role in any campaign whether successful or not this will exude more confidence from the public and in fact where a campaign has been lost this will crystallise support just as much as someone that has pursued all possible options to overcome a challenge yet may have ultimately not achieved their desired outcome, such as the rescuing of an historic building whose untimely demolition was initiated by the opposition. The closure and selling of historic assets, such as Victorian Villas is a prime example of this.