The indicators and targets for Objective 8 should be improved with regards to the historic environment. Reference to buildings at risk is welcomed, but the national register now covers all designated heritage assets on a Heritage at Risk (HAR) Register (www.english-heritage.org.uk/risk). There should be a related target to this indicator stating that the number of assets on the HAR Register should be reduced (there are currently two listed buildings and one conservation area on the HAR Register). Other indicators/targets could include the number of up-to-date conservation area appraisals and management plans, and/or the number of planning decisions made in accordance with officer / English Heritage advice (along the lines of the Sustainability Appraisal indicators).

As currently drafted, we consider the plan is unsound as it is not effective in terms of ability to adequately monitor historic environment impacts.