In best practice, the production of a conservation plan is regarded as the first step in developing a master plan strategy for realising the appropriate future of places of historic heritage value while maintaining and enhancing those values.

The conservation plan is not a justification for a predetermined position, rather it is an essential statement of understanding used to guide conservation and appropriate change.

The preparation of a conservation plan should be seen as a precursor to any determination concerning the future of places of historic heritage value and should be understood as a living document against which effects arising from any proposed change can be measured.