The Gardens Trust County Gardens Trusts & Conservation

Historic Landscapes under Threat Complex heritage assets Many are undesignated Lack of understanding causes loss of significance Multiple physical threats, such as: Neglect Poor management Development Change of use Prioritisation of wildlife conservation Historic Landscape Project

Loss of expertise elsewhere Historic Landscape Project Historic England Natural England Local planning authorities Garden History Society / The Gardens Trust County Gardens Trusts have become the frontline – Your Landscape Needs You!

Conservation value of CGT research National designation Local designation through local list, especially if attached to a Local Plan Historic Environment Records held by local authorities, which the National Planning Policy Framework requires planning applicants and local planning authorities to consult

Planning applications By 2015, at least 30 of 36 County Gardens Trusts are dealing with planning applications. Fantastic! Thank you! (But we know there are still many many issues to iron out.) Historic Landscape Project

Statutory status The GHS had a statutory involvement [Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and DETR Circular 01/2001] – planning authorities must consult with it on planning applications that may effect Grade I, II* and II sites on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest The statutory status has now passed to The Gardens Trust. Historic Landscape Project

How do CGTs fit into the consultation process? The Gardens Trust (TGT) is a statutory consultee. This obliges local planning authorities to consult with it on planning applications, but not necessarily to listen to its advice. It receives consultation on planning applications relating to Grade I, II* and II landscapes. It turns to CGTs for help – CGTs are not statutory consultees but their advice is invaluable so TGT primes local planning authorities to heed their comments. CGTs respond to consultations, sometimes with TGT and sometimes referencing it in their letters.

New planning leaflet Need to introduce The Gardens Trust to local authorities Need to restate the statutory consultee obligations Need to ‘introduce’ the County Gardens Trusts and explain their role New leaflet: ‘‘The Planning System and the Protection of Historic Parks and Gardens: What You Need to Know’’ Final draft available for CGTs’ National Forum in November Distribution to local authorities late-2015/early 2016 Historic Landscape Project

Leaflet headings: ‘The Planning System and the Protection of Historic Parks and Gardens: What You Need to Know’ The Importance of Parks and Gardens The Register Statutory Consultation Requirements Dealing with Planning Applications Determining Significance Checklist to assist LPAs in dealing with park and garden-related applications Planning Policy Other sources of Information Historic Landscape Project