Validation Requirements for Applications Affecting Heritage Assets - Assessment Significance
In March 2010 the Government published the new Planning Policy Statement, PPS5: Planning for the Historic Environment, which introduces a requirement for applications affecting 'Heritage Assets' to be accompanied by an Assessment of Significance.
The term ‘Heritage Asset’ includes designated assets such as Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Scheduled Monuments, Historic Parks, Gardens and Battlefields, as well as non-designated sites and buildings of historic interest as determined by the Local Authority, these include Buildings of Local Interest and Areas of High Townscape Value.
From 1st July 2010, an Assessment of Significance will now be required before applications can be validated.
A guidance note for applicants and agents has been prepared, which sets out the information that should be submitted as part of an Assessment of Significance, and where to find that information.
An Assessment of Significance pro-forma needs to be submitted with all applications for planning permission affecting both designated and non-designated heritage assets and/or listed building consent. This pro-forma may be included as part of a Design & Access statement and may be supplemented with additional reports, studies, historic information, photographs and any other information where relevant.
The Planning service will be able to advise on the adequacy of the statement and whether a non-designated site or building would be considered as a heritage asset, as part of any pre-application discussions.
The guidance note and pro-forma can be downloaded below.
