Heritage Legislation in Practice: Navigating Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Change

Managing change within historic buildings and places requires professionals to balance development objectives with statutory heritage protections, planning policy, and conservation principles. Whether working on refurbishment, adaptive reuse, retrofit, or redevelopment projects, built environment professionals must understand how heritage legislation is applied in practice to support informed decision-making and minimise regulatory risk.

This practical webinar explores the legal and policy framework governing listed buildings, conservation areas, and other heritage assets. Participants will examine heritage significance, consent requirements, planning policy, enforcement powers, and professional responsibilities, while gaining practical guidance on managing heritage applications, assessing impacts, and delivering successful conservation and development outcomes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
• Listed Building Consent and statutory requirements
• Conservation area designation and management
• Assessing heritage significance and evidential requirements
• Understanding harm, public benefit, and planning balance
• Heritage statements and supporting documentation
• Planning policy for designated and non-designated heritage assets
• Common issues in heritage applications and decision-making
• Enforcement powers and unauthorised works
• Appeals, legal challenges, and lessons from practice
• Professional responsibilities in heritage and conservation projects
• Emerging trends in heritage regulation and conservation management