Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 31
31
Paragraph: 223
There is a case for improving our knowledge of where there are possible historical sites...
Recommendation
There is a case for improving our knowledge of where there are possible historical sites and for further protections for specific sites and currently undesignated locations. The Historic Environment Records dataset should be put on a statutory basis. The Government should assess the merits of providing additional protections for other sites, such as those of local interest and World Heritage Sites. We also recommend that the Government publish an assessment of the impact of its proposed changes on historic buildings and sites. This should include the impact on undesignated and future archaeology, and on heritage sites situated in growth areas.
Paragraph Reference:
223
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
61. The Government will continue to conserve and enhance the historic environment, from listed buildings to archaeology, building on the strong protections currently in place. Whilst the current framework has been proven to work well, we want to bring greater clarity by ensuring that plan making and planning decisions are underpinned by up-to-date information about the historic environment and by ensuring a greater alignment between heritage policy and legislation. We also intend to extend the enforcement tools available to local authorities to protect historic assets and bring greater certainty to decision making through clearer national guidance. 62. The Government agrees with the recommendation to ensure that Historic Environment Records are put on a statutory basis and the Bill includes provision requiring this so that up to date information about the historic environment is integrated with the new digital planning system. 63. The Bill also aligns legislative protection for key designated heritage assets by introducing a duty to have ‘special regard’ to a number of heritage assets and sites, bringing them in line with protections that exist in the planning system for listed buildings and conservation areas. 64. The Government recognises that many historic buildings will need to adapt to changing uses and to respond to new challenges, such as climate change. In our recently published British Energy Security Strategy, we have committed to reviewing the practical planning barriers that households can face when installing energy efficiency measures, including in conservation areas and listed buildings. This review will be completed by the end of 2022 and ensure protection of local amenity and heritage, whilst making it easier to improve energy efficiency.