Introduction

From Stonehenge to the mills of the Industrial Revolution, and from Norman castles to the site of the first TV transmission: in each generation, a small number of exceptional places mark and celebrate human architectural achievement, define an era, mark an important struggle or push new ideas to the limit. It is appropriate and necessary to make careful decisions about the future of these places and their protection.

This country’s system for heritage protection has two essential parts:

Identifying heritage through designation
Protecting it through the planning system by using different kinds of consent such as listed building consent

Listing and other types of designation

Find out more about listing and other types of designation for parks and gardens, archaeology, marine wrecks, battlefields, World Heritage Sites and conservation areas.

Sefton

Constructive Conservation

Is English Heritage’s collaborative and well-informed approach to heritage protection. Find out what it means for you and see some of the country’s best examples of this new way of working.

Blencowe Hall

Planning Advice

Find out what to expect from our advisory service, the role of local authorities, a checklist for successful consent applications, information for listed building owners, planning policy and useful resources for professionals.

Man Cut Out