The team provide specialist advice for strategic planning, transport policy, development control and other council departments on
conservation areas,
listed buildings ,
and archaeology. We also act as the link between the Council and national bodies such as
English Heritage and the
Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Part of our role is to maintain records relating to archaeology and the built environment, including historic maps, photographs of buildings, aerial photographs and topographical material. These records form part of the
Historic Environment Record (HER) - the principal database on the Historic Environment in Milton Keynes, a public resource available for consultation by appointment. Elements of the HER including Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Heritage Interest Areas are available online via the
Milton Keynes Observatory Mapping module.
We advise Development Control on planning applications and also provide information and guidance to applicants undertaking development within
conservation areas. Two major regeneration schemes that the team are involved with are:
- Bletchley Park
- Wolverton Works
Conservation Areas
Milton Keynes has
27 conservation areas. A
Conservation Area is described in law as "an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance". More information regarding the status and management of
Conservation Areas can be found
here. Conservation areas in Milton Keynes can also be viewed online with the
Milton Keynes Observatory Mapping module.
Listed Buildings
There are approximately 1100
listed buildings in the Milton Keynes area ranging from medieval churches to a 20th century red telephone box. All listed building applications are considered by the team to ensure that their architectural or historic interest is protected. Advice is given on the appropriate design and materials to be used. Locations and descriptions of Listed Buildings can be accessed online via the
Milton Keynes Observatory Mapping module.
Archaeology
There are 49
Scheduled Ancient Monuments and over 600 Heritage Interest Areas in Milton Keynes. The team advise council departments and Milton Keynes Partnership on archaeological matters relating to development. All planning applications are monitored to establish where archaeological conditions need to be considered. The
Historic Environment Record (HER) maintained by the team has over 6000 entries ranging from Palaeolithic hand axes to 2nd World War defences. Details and locations of
Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Heritage Interest Areas in Milton Keynes can be viewed online with the
Milton Keynes Observatory Mapping module. Click here for more information on
Archaeology in Milton Keynes. 
