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Written question asked by Rachael Maskell (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 September 2022. It was answered by Nigel Huddleston (Conservative) on Monday, 5 September 2022 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Local History: Planning Permission

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on steps that can be taken to preserve social history through the planning process.

Answer

Local planning authorities already have a statutory duty to identify parts of their area that they deem to be of special architectural or historic interest (the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance) and to designate these areas as Conservation Areas. In this context, the value of an area’s social history may be recognised as part of its claims to special historic interest.

Local planning authorities also have the opportunity to identify parts of their area considered to possess local historic interest through the compilation of a local heritage list.

In both cases, the recognition of such areas is reflected in policies set out in the National Planning Policy Framework relating to conservation and enhancement of the historic environment. I can confirm that my Department works closely with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to ensure that the value of national and local heritage continues to be recognised in the planning process, and to ensure that this process complements the statutory heritage protection system.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
40838
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Planning permission Local history
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk