14th September 2009, 05:24 PM
Extracts from Heritage Link newsletter includes some comment:
Quote:Draft PPS 15
Not a substitute for a Heritage Bill but a significant stage in updating heritage protection, PP15 will replace Planning Policy Guidance notes 15 and 16 both published in the 1990s and though much loved in a format no longer favoured by government. The PPS sets out 13 high level policy statements that will be a key ?material planning consideration? in determining planning applications and development plan documents. It is accompanied by a Historic Environment Planning practice guide from Engl;ish Heritage which details how the new principles might be applied.
It purports to maintain the same level of protection as the current PPGs 15 and 16 so what is different? There is emphasis on the principles of sustainable development. The PPS deals with all types of heritage in a single document. It puts more focus on understanding what is significant about a building, site or landscape so that it is ?easier? to determine the impact of the proposed change. The new PPS encourages the ?active exploitation? of heritage and the instrumental values of the historic environment as assets rather than allowing them be seen as potential barriers to development. It also fills in policy gaps with clearer policies on setting and design and gives greater clarity on topics such as archaeological interest, the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas, World Heritage sites, and on conflict with other planning priorities such as climate change. However while the Heritage Bill would have made it a statutory duty for all Local authorities to maintain or have access to Historic Environment Records, the PPS can only urge them to create publicly accessible HERs.
For the English Heritage summary and full documents including impact assessment see
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/serve.../nav.21135
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