Views sought on new proposals to support the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016

A new consultation outlining proposals for the introduction of additional measures to support the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and help authorities and individuals to manage the historic environment in a sustainable way,  has been launched.

Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, who is also responsible for Culture and Heritage in Wales, said:

“When the ground-breaking Act was passed by the Assembly earlier this year, it was widely acknowledged that the legislation was part of a wider package of measures to improve the careful management of the historic environment.

“During 2016 and 2017 we shall be holding a series of consultations to gather views on various measures framed to complement and support the provisions of the Act, and I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

This initial consultation, which runs until 3 October 2016, covers two main areas:

• The introduction of secondary legislation, with three of the proposals put forward focusing on procedural regulations and the fourth looking at the introduction of a Heritage Impact Assessment.

A guidance document, Heritage Impact Assessment in Wales has also been produced to help owners, occupiers and agents understand the assessment process and prepare a heritage impact statement. This guidance document is also part of the consultation

• The introduction of best practice guidance, covering the following five areas:
• 1. Managing Change in World Heritage Sites in Wales
  2. Managing Change to Listed Buildings in Wales
  3. Managing Lists of Historic Assets of Special Local Interest in Wales
  4. Managing Conservation Areas in Wales
  5. Setting of Historic Assets in Wales.

Running concurrently with this consultation, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths has launched a separate but linked consultation seeking views on new planning advice for the historic environment.

Both of these consultations mark the first phase of a programme that, over the next two years, will give Wales an integrated body of policy, advice and guidance for the historic environment.

Mr Skates added:

“Building upon the legislative foundation provided by the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016, this will put in place up-to-date and proportionate mechanisms for the careful and consistent management of change, so present and future generations can continue to enjoy, appreciate and be inspired by our precious historic environment.”