General Guidance

The local council for the district of Bath and North East Somerset. For specific advice, contact development_management@bathnes.gov.uk

• B&NES Council has provided a list of ‘frequently asked questions’ to help applicants decide whether their proposal requires Listed Building Consent. See also their guidance on Owning a Listed Building. 
• The Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan is the Local Plan for B&NES Council, made up of the Placemaking Plan and District-wide Strategy, and informs all aspects of design and planning within the area, with particular reference to the quality of design and the protection of the historic and natural environment.
• City of Bath World Heritage Site Setting provides an overview of of Bath’s World Heritage Site status.
• Bath conservation area character appraisals outline the special qualities of different parts of Bath’s city-wide conservation area, as well as other areas outside Bath.
• B&NES has published its new Energy Efficiency, Retrofitting, and Sustainable Construction Supplementary Planning Document , offering guidance on making retrofit changes to traditional buildings and within the historic environment.
• B&NES Council offers design and conservation guidance about Commercial Signage and Tables and Chairs on the Highway within the city centre.
• Supplementary Planning Guidance is provided on Archaeology in the City of Bath and Archaeology within Bath and North East Somerset.

The public body that looks after England’s heritage with a wealth of specialist advice on everything from planning guidance to conservation principles.

• Conservation Principles, Policies, and Guidance is Historic England’s fundamental document on the definition of heritage significance that should be referred to throughout the planning process.
• Looking After Your Home offers guidance on all aspects of historic buildings, from maintenance, repairs, and planning guidance.
• Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment enables a wider contextual approach to heritage management.
• The Setting of Heritage Assets and Listed Buildings and Curtilage provide further information about what constitutes a listed building, and how its setting can contribute to its significance.
• Valuing Places: Good Practice in Conservation Areas provides recommendations for design and maintenance within conservation areas.
• Energy Efficiency and Your Home provides a wealth of resources for retrofit measures in historic buildings. See also Energy Efficiency and Traditional Homes and Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings.
• Stopping the Rot is a helpful guide to enforcement action where a listed building is in a poor condition.
• Historic England also offer specific advice for owners of Georgian and Victorian Terraced Housing, a common property type in Bath.

A company with an in-house publishing service, providing lists of conservation craftspeople and suppliers, and a wealth of useful articles.

• The Building Conservation Directory offers a definitive guide to resources for the conservation and repair of the historic built environment.
• The archive provides a vast amount of heritage case studies, with particularly helpful guidance on Conservation Principles and Planning Legislation and Guidance.
• Heritage Retrofit is an annual supplement, looking at retrofit in the historic environment and highlighting specialist contractors and training opportunities.

The central government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which provides the legal framework which underpins the planning system in England.

• The National Planning Policy Framework is the most up-to-date government framework informing planning principles; section 16 relates to the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment.
• Historic Environment is the UK Government’s advice on enhancing and conserving the historic environment, which incorporates heritage consent processes.
• The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 is the legal Act under which listed buildings are protected.

A company aiming to make planning information and services simpler and more accessible for those involved in the process, including applicants, agents, or local authorities.

NOTE: This guidance is not exclusively tailored to the needs or restrictions of historic buildings. Standard building restrictions may vary from listed building restrictions, or restrictions in protected areas (conservation areas, World Heritage Sites, Green Belts, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, etc.).

• Do You Need Planning Permission is a useful starting point to determine what type of permission your building works will need.
• Interactive House offers interactive guidance on planning regulations and restrictions on certain types of building works, with options for different housing types.

Campaigning group for 18th century architecture.

• The Georgian Group offers tailored advice for the maintenance of various features within traditional Georgian properties.

A campaigning charity for 19th century and early 20th century architecture.

• Advice on how to Research a Victorian House’s History with additional recommendations for maintenance and retrofits for Victorian homeowners.
• Advice on Greening Your Victorian House without compromising on its distinctive appearance and character. This also includes a dedicated page on Windows and Double Glazing.
• Care for Victorian Houses is a series of guidance booklets with specific focus on the unique characteristics of Victorian architecture and appropriate maintenance.
• See their General Advice page for further guidance on topics from energy efficiency to fireplaces.

A charity that campaigns for 20th century architecture.

• Specific guidance on 20th century Conservation Areas and Churches is available.
• The 20th Century Society’s Research Links can be used to investigate localised 20th century heritage.

A national campaigning group for heritage at risk.

• Advice on Conservation Area Designation for increased protection of areas of distinctive character.
• Advice on Getting a Building Spotlisted, to add a historic building or monument of particular national significance to the National List, particularly in the face of immediate demolition or significant modification.
• Further recommendations on Legal Advice regarding a planning decision.

A national campaigning group for Green Belt and rural issues.

• The CPRE has released its Green Belt Policy Position in which it emphasises greater consideration of how Green Belt land is used and managed, whether that be farming/forestry practices or increasing development pressures.
• CPRE offers guidance on engaging with the planning system.
• The latest updates on the CPRE’s position on the Climate Emergency.

A national alliance of heritage bodies large and small (including a fortnightly Heritage Update; sign up on the site).

• Heritage Alliance provides an online library of its Publications, covering recent and ongoing changes in heritage policy, funding, taxation, and wider planning matters such as housing.

A voluntary organisation which promotes traditional and heritage building crafts.

• NHTG provides Heritage Resources to inform retrofits, energy efficiency alterations, repair, and maintenance.
• Specialised Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Guidance offers advice on appropriate material alterations and how to plan energy-efficiency retrofitting projects.

A national organisation and Chartered Institute responsible for maintaining professional standards and accrediting world class planning courses nationally and internationally.

• Planning Aid England offers free planning advice and support, to help individuals and communities engage with the planning system.
• Explore Policy & Research for updates on planning reform.