Historic Environment Scotland publishes a series of guidance notes under the title Managing Change in the Historic Environment. These are not legislation, but they are used by planning authorities when assessing applications and by HES when providing consultation responses. Understanding them helps you prepare applications that address the factors decision-makers will consider.
The HEPS policy framework
The Managing Change guidance notes sit within the broader policy framework set by the Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS).
Key Managing Change guidance notes
HES publishes guidance notes on specific topics that commonly arise in construction and development. The most relevant for construction businesses include:
- Demolition of Listed Buildings: When demolition may be acceptable and the evidence required to justify it
- Extensions: Principles for extending listed buildings while protecting their character
- Interiors: How to assess and manage change to significant interiors
- New Design in Historic Settings: Principles for new development in the context of heritage assets
- Roofs: Guidance on roof repairs, alterations, and insulation in historic buildings
- Setting: How development beyond the boundary of a heritage asset can affect its significance
- Use and Adaptation of Listed Buildings: Enabling appropriate new uses for historic buildings
- Windows: Repair, replacement, and secondary glazing in historic buildings
- Works on Gardens and Designed Landscapes: Managing change to inventoried sites
- Micro-renewables: Installing renewable energy technology on or near heritage assets
How to use the guidance in your application
When preparing a consent application, refer to the relevant Managing Change guidance notes to demonstrate that you have considered the heritage impact of your proposals. This is particularly important for:
- Heritage impact assessments: The guidance notes explain what factors to address when assessing the impact of proposals on heritage significance
- Design statements: Reference the guidance to show that your design approach follows accepted principles for working with historic buildings and settings
- Mitigation: Where harm is unavoidable, the guidance provides a framework for demonstrating that harm has been minimised and is outweighed by public benefits
If your proposal aligns with the principles in the relevant guidance notes, it is more likely to receive a favourable consultation response from HES and a positive decision from the planning authority.
When the guidance works against you
The same guidance that helps you prepare applications will be used to assess them. If your proposals conflict with the principles in the Managing Change guidance, expect:
- An objection from HES if they are a statutory consultee
- Additional scrutiny from the planning authority
- A requirement to provide stronger justification for the proposals
- Possible refusal, particularly where the guidance identifies specific types of change as unacceptable
Where you believe departure from the guidance is justified, set out your reasoning clearly in the application. Demonstrating awareness of the guidance and providing a reasoned case for departure is more persuasive than ignoring it.