News
New requirement for Heritage Impact Statements in Wales
01 Sept 2017From 1 September 2017, any application for listed building consent or conservation area consent in Wales must be accompanied by a Heritage Impact Statement. The regulations, which come into force today, replace the requirement for a design and access statement for these applications.
Under the regulations Heritage Impact Statements are not required when applying for planning permission but a local authority may decide that one is necessary where it will help them consider the potential impact of development proposals on the significance of designated historic assets and their settings.
Cadw has published “Heritage Impact Assessment in Wales” which provides guidance on preparing Heritage Impact Statements and our blog provides further information on these changes.
This is the latest in a series of new requirements, policy and best practice arising from the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016. Together they provide a more Wales-focused framework for conserving and enhancing historic assets in Wales while recognising that development can help to increase the long-term sustainability and economic viability of these historic assets.
John Cottrell, Senior Director, Lichfields