Development proposals that affect heritage assets are more likely to gain the necessary permissions and create successful places if they are designed with the knowledge and understanding of the significance of the heritage assets they may affect.
The first step for all applicants is to understand the significance of any affected heritage asset and, if relevant, the contribution of its setting to its significance. The significance of a heritage asset is the sum of its archaeological, architectural, historic, and artistic interest. Once this significance has been understood and articulated, then proposals can be modified and shaped to ensure any impact is mitigated and the asset is properly managed. The flowchart below shows this process in action.
'In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting'. NPPF Para 189.
