Local authorities are responsible for the conservation of 95% of the historic environment including Listed Buildings, archaeological sites and monuments, historic landscapes, historic parks and gardens and historic battlefields. Local Authorities also work in partnership with English Heritage on the conservation of Scheduled Monuments and Grade 1 and 2* Listed Buildings. All Local Planning Authorities are required to have access to conservation and design skills.
Local authority historic environment services are non-statutory and have evolved to meet the needs of local communities and local political circumstances. Advice should be sought from local authority historic environment services in the first instance and at the earliest possible stage in developing a proposal, to help achieve quality results with efficient use of resources.
English Heritage has a statutory role as the Government’s advisor on the historic environment. English Heritage advises local planning authorities and Government Departments on development proposals affecting listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments and registered parks and gardens. English Heritage staff usually only get involved in schemes which have the potential for major change or damage to nationally important heritage assets. English Heritage publishes a wide range of policy and guidance on managing the historic environment.
Please click on the links for further information on local authority historic environment services and English Heritage advice.
