Opening up the system and involving the public in decisions about what is protected and how, is an important element of the Heritage Protection Reform programme. This page shows what we have achieved and what we are hoping to achieve in this area.
Heritage Protection Reform aims to improve the designation process by involving the public in decisions about what is protected and how and by opening up our decision making processes to greater public scrutiny.
Consulting on designations
As of November 2009 we now notify owners and other interested parties when their site is being considered for designation providing them with an opportunity to input into the process.
Criteria for designation
We are working towards a series of selection guides covering buildings, archaeology, landscapes and marine assets. Some selection guides have been published online which make clear how we select assets for national designation. More guides will be published during 2010.
Simpler and Clearer
We have made our designation advice easier to understand by providing a clearer explanation of what is of special interest. From April 2011 everyone will be able to access all designation records which will be available online via The National Heritage List for England.
