Battlefields: Planning Best Practice - feedback on a report by Lichfields UK

Closed 17 Nov 2022

Opened 11 Aug 2022

Contact

Philip Robertson

(Deputy Head of Designations)

Designations

0131 668 8914

designations@hes.scot

Feedback updated 12 Dec 2023

We asked

We invited views on a report we commissioned from Lichfields UK: Battlefields Planning Best Practice. The report concerns the inventory of historic battlefields.

The Lichfields Report is available on the HES website.

You said

We received 29 responses to our request for feedback, covering the conclusion of the Lichfields Report and its recommendations. Thank you to everyone who responded.

You can see what people said by downloading the summary report (see below).

We did

We have considered the Lichfields Report and analysed the feedback we received to arrive at a series of actions we intend to take in relation to our role for compiling the inventory, and some onward recommendations for the wider sector.

You can read about this in our Response. 

Some of the actions will be led by HES, while others will be for the consideration of planning stakeholders and the Scottish Government. 

Actions that HES will take forward include a review of battlefields selection guidance to clarify how boundaries are defined and what aspects are included in the designation. HES will then commence a prioritised review of individual sites on the inventory. These reviews will involve public consultation. 

HES will also revise the format of inventory records to ensure these can be used effectively for the purpose of informing management of the surviving battlefield landscape through the planning system. Managing Change guidance for historic battlefields will also be updated to reflect lessons learned over the last decade. 

We have published an item on our news centre about this work. 

Results updated 12 Dec 2023

You can view preliminary results in our summary report below

Files:

Overview

Updated on 3 November: Following a request from consultees, we have extended the consultation for 14 days. The consultation will now close on 17 November.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking views on recommendations made by Lichfields UK in a report about how the Inventory of Historic Battlefields is working within the Scottish planning system.

The Inventory of historic battlefields was established in 2011. It is a list of nationally important battlefields in Scotland.

HES commissioned this study in 2021, following two petitions to the Scottish Parliament calling for stronger protection for Scotland's battlefields. 

Lichfields UK make a number of evidence-based recommendations that inform best practice in the designation and management of Inventory battlefields in the planning system.

You'll be able to access the report, along with more background information, at the start of this survey.

Why your views matter

Your views can play an important part in how Scotland's most important historic battlefields are recognised and protected in the future.

Many organisations and individuals play an important role in looking after Scotland's historic battlefields.

The recommendations by Lichfields cover many areas, from designation, to planning policy and development management, and how archaeology within battlefields is investigated. 

Your views will help to shape any actions we take in response to the recommendations, both in respect of our role in maintaining the inventory but also the advice and support we provide to Scottish Government, Planning Authorities, and others.  

Thank you for your time.

What happens next

When the consultation closes, we will be analysing the views we have received.

Your feedback will help to inform our next steps, including any actions we propose to take or changes we recommend to others.