The Scottish Government

Historic environment

Most local environments have an historic dimension that contributes to its quality and character. The historic environment covers ancient monuments, archaeological sites and landscapes, historic buildings, townscapes, parks, gardens and designed landscapes, as well as our marine heritage. All these assets are recognised as having particular value, and it is the planning system which seeks to manage these elements in a sustainable way

Policy summary

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 23: Planning and the Historic Environment is supported by PAN 42 Archaeology - The Planning Process and Scheduled Monument Procedures and PAN 71 Conservation Area Management, and togther provide the planning policy on the historic environment. The key elements are:

• Contributing to the delivery of Scottish Ministers' objectives and policies for the historic environment;
• Encouraging a positive and proactive approach to managing change in the historic environment, enabling development and securing best viable use;
• Ensuring the special qualities of the historic environment are protected, conserved and enhanced. This should cover statutory and non-statutory designations, while recognising that the latter, such as archaeological remains, can be material consideration in the planning process.