Historic Preservation vs. Planning Reform in the U.K.

Richard Grey of the Times of London looks at a statement from English Heritage. The statement said that "while the framework was a move in the right direction, they say the changes it makes to the current system could result in many historic buildings being entirely changed in nature," according to Grey.

From the statement:"The way the bias towards granting permission is currently worded will result in harm being done to the historic environment without a justification being required, when currently one would be required.

"There is no policy to help decision-makers deal with proposals where there is moderate or minor harm to heritage assets, such as listed buildings. Most decisions affecting them will fall into these categories."