Policy and principles for designation

Our designation work is underpinned by the policies and principles set out in HEPS. The four policies and related principles most relevant to designation are set out below:

Decisions affecting any part of the historic environment should be informed by an inclusive understanding of its breadth and cultural significance.

Principles:

• Recognising the cultural significance of sites and places supports good decision-making.

• A place must be understood in order for its cultural significance to be identified.

• A wide range of factors contributes to cultural significance.

• Knowledge and information about the historic environment is critical to the understanding of our past, present and future.

• The historic environment changes over time, and so does how it is understood and appreciated.

• Research, discussion and exchange of ideas can all contribute to our understanding of the historic environment.

• Understanding will improve when information is made widely available and everyone has the opportunity to contribute to knowledge of the historic environment.

Decisions affecting the historic environment should ensure that its understanding and enjoyment as well as its benefits are secured for present and future generations.

Principles:

• Good decisions are well informed, transparent, robust, consistent and proportionate.

• Caring for the historic environment benefits everyone, now and in the future.

Decisions affecting the historic environment should contribute to the sustainable development of communities and places.

Principle:

• Everyone has a stake in the historic environment and how it is looked after.

Decisions affecting the historic environment should be informed by an inclusive understanding of the potential consequences for people and communities. Decision-making processes should be collaborative, open, transparent and easy to understand.

Principle:

• Everyone has a stake in the historic environment and how it is looked after.