7.15 Glasgow has 19 Conservation areas ranging in character from the City Centre and Victorian residential suburbs to the rural village of Carmunnock (Figure 7.1). Conservation areas cover 1,423 hectares of the City and provide homes for 10% of the City’s population. Ten are regarded as being outstanding for grant aid purposes. The Central Conservation Area, in particular influences the commercial sector, both as a desirable working environment and as a visitor attraction. The quality of Glasgow’s heritage is also reflected in its listed buildings. The City has 1,790 listed buildings, 15% of which are category A, 70% are category B and 15% are category C(S).

Figure 7.1: Existing Conservation Areas

7.16 Conservation of the built heritage involves those activities directed to the protection of the character and special qualities of buildings and places. These activities centre on the assessment and identification of special buildings and places and the promotion of measures to protect and enhance them.

7.17 Planning legislation strongly emphasises the protection and repair of historic buildings and areas. However, a balance must be struck between exercising control and giving encouragement to new ideas and innovative design to achieve the best possible environment in the longer-term. Opportunities exist within conservation areas to introduce good-quality modern design and bring old and new together to create an attractive, evolving urban landscape. Supporting information is provided in the Council’s Built Heritage Strategy, summarised in City Plan Technical Note: Built Environment.

St. Vincent Crescent