Archaeology and Heritage in the Planning System

The UK boasts a rich and diverse heritage, spanning thousands of years of human occupation and cultural evolution. From prehistoric settlements to medieval castles, from Roman ruins to industrial landmarks, these sites tell stories of our past, shaping our understanding of our nation's history and identity. In recognition of this, the UK’s planning system places emphasis on conserving sites of heritage significance and encourages planning authorities, property owners and developers to consider the potential impact on this importance as part of the planning process.

What is the ‘Historic Environment’?

The historic environment is a broad term that is used to encompass any place that contains physical evidence of past human activity, such as historic buildings or structures, cultural landscapes (for example historic parks and gardens) and archaeological sites. In some cases, elements of the historic environment may be protected as designated heritage assets, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Registered Parks & Gardens included on the National Heritage List for England (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/); but the term ‘historic environment’ includes any site that provides tangible insights into how humans have lived throughout history, whether it is designated or not.

What is NPPF and how does it relate to the Historic Environment?

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) serves as a comprehensive guide for planning decisions throughout England and incorporates a section entitled ‘Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment’. This provides guidance for planning authorities, property owners, developers and other interested parties on the conservation and investigation of heritage assets as part of the planning process. The NPPF seeks to deliver sustainable development; to understand the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits brought by the conservation of the historic environment; and to conserve England’s heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance.

What is a Heritage Consultant and how can they help?

A heritage consultant is a professional with expertise in how UK planning law relates to the historic environment. If you are considering applying for planning permission for any project that may affect the historic environment, it is a good idea to discuss this with a heritage consultant early in the planning process to help you explore opportunities and constraints, anticipate the likely requirements of the planning authority, maximise the chances of achieving a successful planning application on heritage grounds and avoid costly delays down the road. Types of projects that would benefit from the input of heritage consultants are varied but include alterations to listed buildings, developments close to heritage assets such as Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Scheduled Monuments; and any project that has the potential to disturb buried archaeological remains. Heritage consultancy is a diverse practise that can aid you in navigating the planning process for any such projects and a heritage consultant can help you to:

• Perform preliminary site appraisals to inform early due diligence in land acquisition processes

• Identify and assess heritage assets within the environs of your project through a ‘Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment’ to help determine whether the development is likely to affect the historic environment

• Prepare ‘Heritage Statements’ and heritage impact assessments to assess the potential impact of a development on the historic environment and provide advice on how to minimise said impacts

• Liaise and represent you in negotiations with planning authorities and help you to understand and comply with their requirements

• Improve your understanding of the planning process: by providing you with clear and concise information, which can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

• Prepare Written Schemes of Investigation in addition to tendering, procuring and managing archaeological fieldwork

• Represent you as an expert witness at Public Inquiry

If you are seeking assistance in assessing and managing the heritage requirements of a scheme, GHC Archaeology & Heritage has an expert team of heritage professionals that can provide you with knowledgeable, impartial advice throughout the lifetime of your development. If you would like to discuss your project with us, please get in touch.