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Scope

Whatever our role in Island life, be it at work, at home or in our leisure pursuits, the quality of our historic environment touches us all, often to a degree which is not immediately evident.

The distinctive and unique character of our townscapes and rural landscape possesses an almost intangible quality that is the result of thousands of years of natural formation and development, as modified by man's inhabitation of the land.

We are, after all, only trustees of this very special Island, for the duration of our time here and, accordingly, it is of vital importance that we acknowledge, protect and preserve what is the best of the past, whilst encouraging positive steps to secure the quality of our environment for present and future generations.

It is with considerable pleasure that the Department now publishes the Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man. Whilst this may not be a very "snappy" title, the document marks a major step in the development of a key strategy. It has been subject to, and has benefitted from, extensive consultation and now embodies a framework of policies and guidance designed to assist and inform all who have dealings with the fabric making up our unique and historic environment.

Introduction

In 1987, the Isle of Man became a signatory to the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe, thus reflecting the commitment which the Island has to its unique built heritage.

It is fundamental to the Government's responsibilities for environmental stewardship that there should be effective protection for all aspects of the historic environment. The physical survivals of our past are to be valued and protected for their own sake, as a central part of our cultural heritage and our sense of national identity. Together, they give us a tangible link with our history and an irreplaceable record which contributes, through formal education and in many other ways, to our understanding of both the present and the past. Their presence adds to the quality of our lives, by enhancing the familiar and cherished local scene and sustaining the sense of our Island's distinctiveness which is so important an aspect of the character and appearance of our towns, villages and countryside. It is being increasingly recognised that the historic environment is also of immense importance for tourism, leisure, recreation and commerce generally. The richness and variety of our architectural heritage underpins and is a vital ingredient of the unique and special character which the Island retains. It is important that Conservation should not be regarded as a negative process - it goes beyond the ability to prevent the destruction of our built heritage, although that is crucial; Conservation involves actively caring for our buildings, maintaining them in good physical condition and enabling them to be readily accessible for study, enjoyment, recreation, tourism and nowadays, the Island's development.