Balancing Growth and Heritage: The Planner’s Dilemma

Published : Tuesday May 20, 2025

Few challenges in the planning world are as persistent – or as nuanced – as balancing the demands of growth with the responsibility of heritage conservation. As towns and cities across the UK face mounting pressure to accommodate housing demand, infrastructure upgrades, and economic development, planners are increasingly walking a tightrope between modernisation and preservation.

This dilemma is particularly acute in regions with rich historical character, where development proposals must respond not only to commercial needs, but also to cultural and community identity. For planners, the challenge lies not just in achieving a technical balance, but in shaping places that remain authentic while evolving to meet the needs of a growing population.

The Push for Growth

The demand for new homes, employment space, and better infrastructure is escalating. Local authorities are under pressure to meet ambitious housing targets, support local economies, and deliver regeneration – often while facing resource constraints and political scrutiny. Developers, meanwhile, must balance these expectations with commercial viability, often working to tight timelines and shifting market conditions.

But when growth is prioritised without adequate planning sensitivity, it can lead to the erosion of local character, widespread opposition, and unnecessary delays. Worse still, it may result in developments that fall short of their potential—failing to gain community support or deliver long-term value.

Striking the Right Balance

Heritage, in all its forms, gives a place its identity. Whether it’s a conservation area, a historic streetscape, or the intangible cultural fabric of a community – heritage adds depth and distinctiveness to the built environment. Yet too often, it is seen as a constraint.

The real challenge – and opportunity – lies in integrating heritage into future-looking planning. That requires deep knowledge, empathy, and an ability to turn policy into practical outcomes.

Planning consultancies that specialise in this balancing act play a pivotal role. DLA Town Planning Ltd. is one such firm. With over three decades of experience and an interdisciplinary team, DLA brings a commercial mindset to complex planning issues, helping clients deliver viable developments that remain sensitive to their surroundings.

Critically, DLA has invested in specialist heritage expertise, with three dedicated heritage consultants embedded within the wider planning team. This internal capability enables them to offer nuanced, contextually aware advice on heritage-related issues from the outset – not just as a bolt-on later in the process.

Projects such as St Margaret’s School in Bushey demonstrate DLA’s expertise. At this Grade II listed site, DLA supported pre-application enquiries and handled applications for various extensions as part of a phased development. DLA also serves as the ongoing planning consultant for St Albans Cathedral, where they prepare heritage-led assessments for proposals on the Cathedral’s land. These examples illustrate how DLA collaborates with both clients and local authorities to unlock sensitive sites, shaping proposals that respect historical character while meeting commercial and community needs.

Commercial Acumen and Local Agility

What differentiates DLA’s approach is its ability to combine planning expertise with commercial insight. DLA understands that for development to succeed, it must work on paper and in practice. This balance between vision and viability is evident in their strategic planning services, which are tailored to the specific goals and constraints of each client.

DLA is also known for its agility – an increasingly important trait in today’s planning environment. With shifting policies, evolving community expectations, and tightening budgets, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial. Their expansion into Cambridgeshire and Essex reflects not only demand for their services, but also the company’s commitment to being locally present and responsive in key growth areas.

Backed by decades of local authority experience and strong working relationships across planning departments, DLA is well positioned to anticipate challenges and engage meaningfully with decision-makers. This insight, paired with a pragmatic and collaborative style, often proves instrumental in progressing complex applications and appeals.

Looking Ahead

The tension between growth and heritage isn’t going away. In fact, as the UK continues to tackle the dual imperatives of housing delivery and place-making, it’s likely to become even more pronounced. But when approached with care and strategic clarity, that tension can become a source of creativity – fuel for developments that are both progressive and rooted.

Planning that respects the past while embracing the future is not just possible – it’s essential. And for those who understand how to strike that balance, the results speak for themselves.