Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas

Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas (PSICA) is a funding program managed by Historic England in partnership with local authorities and other funding bodies. It aims to preserve and enhance conservation areas, particularly in deprived urban and rural communities, by supporting heritage-based regeneration initiatives.

Objectives:

• Provide a framework to identify problems and opportunities in conservation areas.
• Channel resources to encourage remedial work on historic buildings.
• Ensure appropriate management and development controls.
• Support social and economic resurgence by improving run-down towns and cities.
• Encourage inward investment and wider community regeneration.
• Reinforce the character and historic significance of conservation areas.
• Repair and bring historic buildings back into use.
• Ensure work is completed to appropriate standards with ongoing maintenance.
• Align with local authority policies for sustainable conservation.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Local authorities or equivalent bodies (e.g., National Park Authorities) act as lead partners and apply for funding.
• Owners of individual properties within conservation areas benefit indirectly through grants provided by the partnership but cannot apply directly.

Application Process:

• Applications are submitted by local authorities to Historic England.
• Applicants should contact their local Historic England office for advice and support before applying.
• The scheme is open indefinitely with no fixed end date; applications are recommended between April and September for projects starting the following April.

Key Features:

• Partnership-based funding involving Historic England, local authorities, and other partners.
• Focus on heritage-led regeneration to create safe, sustainable communities.
• Grants available for repair and enhancement work on individual properties within conservation areas.
• Emphasis on long-term sustainability and maintenance of historic environments.
• Encourages wider economic and community benefits beyond heritage improvements.

More information and guidance are available on the Historic England website.