LPA index

LPA Heritage Validation Checklist Index (UK 2026)

Reviewed by

Oliver Wakefield-Smith

Founder, Digital Signet

Last reviewed 22 June 2026 · Refreshed quarterly

Direct answer

Where do I find my LPA's validation list?

Every English LPA publishes a Local Validation List on its planning portal. The list specifies which documents must accompany a planning or LBC application, and almost always includes a 'Heritage Statement / Heritage Impact Assessment' line with proportionality guidance. The single most useful action before any heritage application is to download and read your LPA's current list, they vary substantially.

How LPAs vary

Page-count guidance: some LPAs (Cotswold, Westminster) prescribe maximum lengths; most do not.
Required appendices: some require historic-map regression, photographic survey, comparative analysis; others leave to consultant judgement.
Local lists: of varying coverage and recency.
Pre-app charging: from £0 (still rare) to £400+ per hour for major schemes.

LPAs with detailed HIA expectations

Westminster, 12 conservation areas, City Plan policy 38.
Camden, 40 conservation areas, Local Plan DH1/DH2.
Kensington and Chelsea, 38 conservation areas, stucco and fenestration guidance.
Bath and North-East Somerset, UNESCO WHS, raised bar.
York, Central Historic Core Conservation Area, city-wall views.
Canterbury, WHS buffer zone, cathedral-precinct views.
Edinburgh, Scottish jurisdiction, HES policy applies.
Cornwall, mining heritage, AONB and WHS.
Cotswold, AONB-wide, materials guidance.

Common LPA-specific validation traps

Failure to address the LPA's own published Conservation Area Appraisal.
Missing local-list designations not visible on the NHLE.
Use of national-style fenestration where the LPA has a published local pattern (Cotswold, Bath).
Failure to address Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights.