Boundaries and conservation

J. Anstey and M.R.G. Conzen both made important contributions to the study of urban boundaries. Conzen’s work provides a framework for the analysis of the process of physical change in the historic urban environment. Anstey’s work provides an understanding of the legal controls over boundaries. These two perspectives are brought together to examine the reasons for the persistence or obliteration of plan form in British towns. Comment is made on the effectiveness of the planning and conservation control system in conserving town plans.