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.