Planning

Our advice on heritage and the planning system is there to help both professionals and owners of older buildings to understand how heritage fits into the wider planning agenda.

  • The Planning System

    This page sets out how the planning system works to protect historic places.

  • Planning Research

    To understand how the planning system works in practice, Historic England undertakes and commissions research.

  • Heritage Consents

    The requirements for each of the principal types of statutory consent are summarised on the relevant pages within this section of the website.

  • Place-Making and Regeneration

    Advice and research on how to shape our public spaces and buildings to improve a community’s cultural, economic, social and environmental situation.

  • Design in the Historic Environment

    Principles and case studies for good practice in design when making changes to the built historic environment.

  • Conservation Areas

    This page sets out what conservation areas are and how they are designated and managed.

  • Housing

    This page provides information on housing development in the historic built environment.

  • Heritage and Sustainable Growth

    This page provides information on the evidence base and Historic England’s advice about heritage and growth.

  • International Collaboration

    How Historic England collaborates with heritage professionals and responsible departments all around the world.

  • Infrastructure

    This page explains Historic England’s approach to major road and energy schemes, and their impact on historic buildings and places.

  • Local Management

    This page sets out Historic England’s advice to support local authorities and communities in protecting the special historic places in their area.

  • Local Plans

    See our advice on drawing up Local Plans that make provision for historic buildings and sites in their area.

  • Neighbourhood Planning and the Historic Environment

    The historic environment is integral to any plans to improve a neighbourhood. Use the neighbourhood planning process to influence future development.

  • Minerals Extraction

    Exploring the relationship between quarrying, mining and other forms of minerals extraction and the historic environment

  • Rural Planning

    This page sets out how planning in the countryside differs from that in urban areas, and points to sources of further information.

  • Decision-Taking

    Our advice supports Local Planning Authorities to prepare and make planning decisions on applications affecting historic buildings.

  • Understanding Historic Places

    Find out about the different approaches available for identifying and interpreting the historic dimensions of present day landscapes or townscapes.

  • Coastal & Marine Planning

    The seas and shore around England contain an immense wealth of archaeological sites and remains.

  • Historic Centres and Streets

    Our advice on retail trends and what they might mean for historic town centres and high streets.

  • The Reconstruction of Heritage Assets

    For decisions on whether or not to reconstruct a heritage asset, our advice covers the issues to consider and how best to approach reconstruction.

  • World Heritage

    Advice on the World Heritage Convention, engagements with UNESCO, and advice to owners and decision-makers about proposed changes.

  • Contested Heritage

    From this page you can find links to advice and case studies on contested heritage.

  • Heritage Planning Case Database

    Search for appeal and call-in decisions relating to planning permission (that affects a heritage asset) and listed building consent.

Also of interest

Community Advice Hub