Government revamps planning policy for historic environment
The government this week issued a revised planning policy for the historic environment, insisting that heritage assets should be viewed as a catalyst for regeneration rather than a barrier to development.
Key elements of the final policy statement (PPS5) include:
- Definitions of what makes a building, monument or landscape significant, “so it is easier for councils and developers to understand the impact of the proposed change”
- Greater emphasis on the role the historic environment can play in regeneration and economic development
- Explanation of the range of information sources councils and developers can use to assess the impact of their applications on the historic environment, and
- Reinforcement of the presumption in favour of protecting designated heritage assets.
English Heritage has prepared a practice guide to accompany PPS5. This explains how local authorities and developers can apply the new policies and use heritage assets such as old theatres, churches and factories in new developments.
The government claimed the new policy statement “sends a clear message that our heritage should be protected and viewed as a catalyst for regeneration, rather than a barrier to development”.
Planning minister John Healey said: “Heritage assets can never be replaced, which is why I’m giving councils the expert tools they need to make these assets the centrepieces of local regeneration while protecting our historic environment for future generations.”
Phil Kirby, Immediate Past President of the Planning Officers’ Society, said: “The new PPS5 strikes the right balance between the conservation of our heritage assets as a matter of utmost importance but allowing flexibility for change in the 21st century.”
The new policy statement replaces Planning Policy Guidance Notes 15 and 16.
