Insight User Guide: Visual and cultural designations

World Heritage Sites

Sites designated for their globally important cultural or natural interest requiring appropriate management and protection measures. World Heritage Sites are designated to meet the UK’s commitments under the World Heritage Convention.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are conservation areas, chosen because they represent 18% of the finest countryside in England and Wales. Each AONB has been designated for special attention because of the quality of their flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations, and/or scenic views. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949 created AONBs and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 added further regulation and protection. There are likely to be restrictions to some developments within these areas.

National Parks

In England and Wales, the purpose of National Parks is to conserve and enhance landscapes within the countryside whilst promoting public enjoyment of them and having regard for the social and economic well-being of those living within them. In Scotland National Parks have the additional purpose of promoting the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area and the sustainable social and economic development of its communities. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 established the National Park designation in England and Wales, and The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 in Scotland.

Listed Buildings

Buildings listed for their special architectural or historical interest. Building control in the form of ‘Listed Building Consent’ is required in order to make any changes to that building which might affect its special interest. Listed Buildings are graded to indicate their relative importance, however building controls apply to all buildings equally, irrespective of their grade, and apply to the interior and exterior of the building in its entirety, together with any curtilage structures.

Conservation Areas

Local planning authorities are obliged to designate as Conservation Areas any parts of their own area that are of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which is desirable to preserve or enhance. Designation of a Conservation Area gives broader protection than the listing of individual buildings. All the features within the area, listed or otherwise, are recognised as part of its character. Conservation Area designation is the means of recognising the importance of all factors and of ensuring that planning decisions address the quality of the landscape in its broadest sense.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

A Scheduled Monument is a historic building or site that is included in the Schedule of Monuments kept by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The regime is set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The Schedule of Monuments has c.20,000 entries and includes sites such as Roman remains, burial mounds, castles, bridges, earthworks, the remains of deserted villages and industrial sites. Monuments are not graded, but all are, by definition, considered to be of national importance.

Registered Parks & Gardens

Parks and Gardens assessed to be of particular interest and of special historic interest. The emphasis being on ‘designed’ landscapes, rather than on planting or botanical importance. Registration is a ‘material consideration’ in the planning process, meaning that planning authorities must consider the impact of any proposed development on the special character of the landscape.