England · National documents
Historic environment
Explains heritage significance, settings, harm and evidence in planning decisions affecting the historic environment.
AI-generated summaries of the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. Sources and limits
Where this document applies
England: relevance depends on the proposal, site and planning process.
Historic environment (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 18a-001-20190723
Heritage decisions also engage statutory duties
Where listed buildings, their settings or conservation areas are relevant, the guidance identifies statutory considerations under the 1990 Act alongside national and local planning policy. Establish the designation and the affected interest before applying a general design argument.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 18a-001-20190723
Limits and checks
- This national source does not establish the local policies, designations or site facts that apply to an individual proposal.
- Some guidance predates the August 2026 Framework and may refer to earlier policy numbering. Read it with the current Framework and any applicable transition provisions.
Read alongside this document
Put the national source in your local context
Start with the exact refusal reason. Note the policy and paragraph it cites, then check your authority’s policy summary and the facts discussed in relevant appeal decisions. Each appeal turns on its own facts and does not predict another outcome.