English Heritage is working on a series of changes that can be achieved without the need for primary legislation.
Why do we need further legislative reform?
In addition to working towards new primary legislation we are looking at reform of secondary legislation. This would enable control over partial demolition in conservation areas which has been a problem since the Shimizu judgement in 1997. We are also looking at reform of permitted development rights in conservation areas to allow control over other damaging alterations.
Work on reform of agricultural Class Consent 1 for scheduled monuments is also underway.
Marine and Coastal Access Act
The new Marine and Coastal Access Act will provide some level of protection for marine heritage in English waters and the continental shelf.
Updating Government Policy
PPS5
The new Planning Policy Statement 5: 'Planning for the Historic Environment' marks an important step forward in the delivery of the reformed Heritage Protection system. At its heart is a unified approach to the protection and management of the historic environment, promotion of best practice and public involvement.
Principles of selection for designation
Published Principles of Selection will provide a framework for determining national designation decisions and will support the new PPS5.
World Heritage Site Planning Circular
From July 2009 World Heritage Sites are now a material consideration in the planning system. Local planning authorities will be required to consider the effect of planning applications on World Heritage Sites and their settings.
Ecclesiastical Exemption
We are working with exempt denominations to streamline their systems for management of assets under ecclesiastical exemption. A new Ecclesiastical Exemption (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Order was published on 1st October 2010.
National Heritage Protection Plan
The National Heritage Protection Plan maps out why, what and how England's vulnerable historic environment is to be safeguarded at a time of massive social, environmental, economic and technological change.
Crucially it shows us where the threats are greatest and helps us to prioritise our work and direct our resources at a time of severe funding challenges. The plan sets out how we will be prioritising heritage protection for the next five years.
