Planning

This page sets out how the planning system works to protect historic places.

To understand how the planning system works in practice, Historic England undertakes and commissions research.

The requirements for each of the principal types of statutory consent are summarised on the relevant pages within this section of the website.

Advice and research on how to shape our public spaces and buildings to improve a community’s cultural, economic, social and environmental situation.

Principles and case studies for good practice in design when making changes to the built historic environment.

This page sets out what conservation areas are and how they are designated and managed.

This page provides information on housing development in the historic built environment.

This page provides information on the evidence base and Historic England’s advice about heritage and growth.

How Historic England collaborates with heritage professionals and responsible departments all around the world.

This page explains Historic England’s approach to major road and energy schemes, and their impact on historic buildings and places.

This page sets out Historic England’s advice to support local authorities and communities in protecting the special historic places in their area.

See our advice on drawing up Local Plans that make provision for historic buildings and sites in their area.

The historic environment is integral to any plans to improve a neighbourhood. Use the neighbourhood planning process to influence future development.

Exploring the relationship between quarrying, mining and other forms of minerals extraction and the historic environment

This page sets out how planning in the countryside differs from that in urban areas, and points to sources of further information.

Our advice supports Local Planning Authorities to prepare and make planning decisions on applications affecting historic buildings.

Find out about the different approaches available for identifying and interpreting the historic dimensions of present day landscapes or townscapes.

The seas and shore around England contain an immense wealth of archaeological sites and remains.

Our advice on retail trends and what they might mean for historic town centres and high streets.

For decisions on whether or not to reconstruct a heritage asset, our advice covers the issues to consider and how best to approach reconstruction.