Conservation & Adaptation: Analysis of Responses to the City of Edinburgh Council Public Consultation

Abstract

This technical report presents the analysis of a City of Edinburgh Council public consultation targeted towards owners of listed properties and properties in conservation areas. The purpose of the consultation, which took the form of an online questionnaire survey carried out between 31 March – 11 Jun 2023, was to understand owners’ experience of maintaining, repairing, and adapting their historic properties to climate change.

The sample included a total of 434 unique properties and 431 unique respondents, with 33 out of 50 conservation areas in Edinburgh represented. The sample contains more flat (62%) than detached/terraced properties (33%) with the vast majority dated pre-1900. Half of the respondents have owned their properties for ten years or more, with more than half of all respondents aged 55 or older.

Responses to the multiple-choice questions with pre-determined categories were analysed quantitatively; whereas responses to the free-text questions were qualitatively analysed and coded into themes and sub-themes. The analysis covers issues experienced in historic properties, the status quo of any retrofit and adaptation works, and owners’ current barriers to retrofits and maintenance works. Analysis on respondents’ perception of the Council-published guidance document, and planning application process, as well as their general views on climate change, adaptation, comfort, and heritage conservation are also included.