There is a finality behind the fast-paced alterations and destruction of the squares, streets and facades of the Valley towns. White the process of urban degradation started later in Bhaktapur than in Patan and Kathmandu towns, by the early 1970s it too was experiencing accelerating change that ignored the town´s character.
The Germ an-aided Bhaktapur Urban Development and Conservation Project, initiated in October 1974, sought to tackle the problem before it became unmanageable. Bhaktapur was considered ripe for an integrated town-wide conservation effort, and a comprehensive Town Development Plan was unveiled in 1977.
The Plan´s approach was to preserve and restore the historic environment of Bhaktapur without ignoring the need for urban renewal and economic development. The idea was not to stop growth and development, but to channel them so that the town´s character did not see drastic change. Conserving the architectural heritage of Bhaktapur was seen as part of the overall goal of improving the living conditions of the inhabitants.
The planners were aware that in their efforts to maintain the urban character, they could not avoid encroaching upon the house- or property-owner´s "freedom to construct". The restrictions brought about by zoning and development regulations were bound to be perceived as "imposed" or "authoritarian", especially by a community which has historically and culturally remained outside the influence of "national" institutions and administration.