What is a heritage asset?
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines a heritage asset as a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interest.
Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).
It defines the setting of a heritage asset as the surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the significance of an asset may affect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral.
Significance (for heritage policy) is defined as the value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. That interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not only from a heritage asset’s physical presence, but also from its setting.
A designated heritage asset is:
- a world heritage site
- a scheduled monument
- a listed building
- a protected wreck site
- a registered park and garden
- a registered battlefield or conservation area designated under the relevant legislation
Non-designated heritage assets are buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified by plan-making bodies as having a degree of heritage significance meriting consideration in planning decisions but which do not meet the criteria for designated heritage assets.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is a document which acts as the rulebook for planning. It advises local planning authorities in both decision-making and policy making.