Built environment

• Heritage
• Development on previously developed land
• Planning and flood risk

• The South West has a significant proportion of England's historic assets, including 35% of scheduled ancient monuments and 23% of World Heritage Sites.

• There were 162 buildings at risk as of July 2008, an increase of seven on 2007.

• 70% of all new and converted dwellings were built on previously developed land in 2007/2008, a slight reduction on 72% in 2006/2007.

• There were 1,160 objections made by the Environment Agency on flood risk grounds in 2007/2008 - 19% of the English total of 6,200.
• Two of the 16 applications granted contrary to the Environment Agency's advice nationally were in the South West.
• 21 applications were granted for minor developments in the region contrary to advice.

Attractive buildings, settlements, historic landscapes, parks and gardens make an enormous contribution to the quality of the region.  This historic heritage makes a vital contribution to the quality of our environment.  It can consist of a wide range of both natural and man-made features, some of which we can see every day and which contribute to our local, regional and national quality of life and economy.

The historic environment is a key component of the South West’s identity, important to the quality of life of those who live, work and visit the region, and essential to the key regional tourism economy. This year’s report looks at the ways in which climate change might impact on the historic environment, and what the historic environment is doing to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

According to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) there were approximately 2.31 million dwellings in the South West in 2008.  Recent figures estimate that South West household numbers will increase from 2.21 million in 2006 to 2.858 million in 2029 and as a result, demands for sufficient housing stock of adequate standard will continue to rise.  For further information on household and population projections: DCLG Household and Populations Projections February 2008.