Scottish heritage compliance checklist for construction

Use this checklist before starting any construction, development, or property works in Scotland to verify you have met heritage protection requirements.

Searched PastMap and the HES portal for all heritage designations on or near the site
Checked whether the site includes or adjoins a scheduled monument
Checked whether any buildings on or near the site are listed (Category A, B, or C)
Checked whether the site is within a conservation area
Checked whether the site is within or adjacent to an Inventory garden, designed landscape, or historic battlefield
Contacted the local planning authority to confirm all designations

Identified all consents required (SMC, LBC, conservation area consent, planning permission)
Confirmed whether class consents apply to any scheduled monument works
Contacted HES for pre-application advice on scheduled monument consent applications
Contacted the local planning authority for pre-application advice on listed building consent applications
Prepared heritage impact assessment where required
Submitted all required consent applications before starting works
Received written consent for all required applications

Read and understood all conditions attached to consents
Arranged archaeological recording if required by conditions
Appointed specialist contractors where conditions require specific skills or methods
Notified HES or the planning authority before commencing works where required
Ensured all workers on site are aware of heritage constraints and conditions
Established a process for reporting unexpected archaeological discoveries during works

Maintained records of all works carried out to heritage assets
Complied with all consent conditions throughout the project
Reported any accidental damage to heritage assets to HES or the planning authority immediately
Retained copies of all consents, condition discharge letters, and correspondence with HES and the planning authority

Legal basis

Related Guvnor guides

Heritage penalties and enforcement in Scotland

Official guidance

PastMap - search heritage designations (opens in a new tab)

pastmap.org.uk

HES portal - search listed buildings and scheduled monuments (opens in a new tab)

portal.historicenvironment.scot

What is a scheduled monument? | Historic Environment Scotland (opens in a new tab)

HES

Annex 2: Listed buildings | Historic Environment Scotland (opens in a new tab)

HES

Annex 1: Scheduled monuments | Historic Environment Scotland (opens in a new tab)

HES

Certificate of Intention Not to List | Historic Environment Scotland (opens in a new tab)

HES

Looking after scheduled monuments | Historic Environment Scotland (opens in a new tab)

HES

Heritage crime and scheduled monuments | Historic Environment Scotland (opens in a new tab)

HES

Scottish heritage compliance checklist for construction

Site assessment

Consent requirements

Conditions and compliance

Ongoing compliance

Legal basis

Related Guvnor guides

Official guidance

Scottish heritage compliance checklist for construction

Site assessment

Consent requirements

Conditions and compliance

Ongoing compliance

Legal basis

Related Guvnor guides

Official guidance

Related guides in Premises & Operations

Understanding heritage protection in Scotland

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