The Government is currently consulting on substantial changes to the statutory consultee system, including proposals to remove the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust from their established roles in the planning process.
Historic Buildings & Places (HB&P) has submitted a formal response raising significant concerns about the impact these changes would have on the protection and understanding of some of the nation’s most vulnerable heritage assets. You can read our full response here.
As one of the National Amenity Societies with a statutory role in the Listed Building Consent process, HB&P works daily with the planning system and understands the value that specialist expertise brings. Our response makes it clear that removing the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust as statutory consultees would weaken the planning framework at a time when heritage should remain central to placemaking, sustainability, and community identity.
We are particularly concerned that the consultation frames the statutory protection of historic buildings and places as a “burden” on the planning system. HB&P strongly rejects this view. The historic environment is not an obstacle to progress but a vital part of creating distinctive, resilient, and well-loved places. A planning system fit for the future must respect what we have inherited from the past, value its significance today, and pass it on for future generations.
The proposed reforms rest heavily on the idea that Historic England’s role creates duplication. Yet only a small proportion of designated heritage assets fall within Historic England’s statutory remit. Around 91% of listed buildings are Grade II, and the majority of applications affecting historic sites—whether buildings, landscapes, or complex mixed environments—would be left without the guaranteed input of a specialist national body. For parks and gardens, the loss is even more stark. The Gardens Trust provides irreplaceable expertise for a highly specialised heritage type, particularly in relation to the setting of historic designed landscapes, which routinely lies outside registered boundaries.
The Gardens Trust’s own analysis highlights the consequences. Registered parks and gardens already lack the level of statutory protection enjoyed by listed buildings, and removing the consultation requirement risks downgrading their significance further. Of the 1,700 Registered parks and gardens in England, almost two-thirds are Grade II and would be especially vulnerable. Local planning authorities do not routinely hold dedicated expertise in historic landscape conservation, and the cost of replicating the Gardens Trust’s service across every authority is estimated at nearly £3.7 million per year—far exceeding the modest grant the organisation currently receives to fulfil its statutory role.
The Gardens Trust has called for widespread engagement with the consultation, which remains open until 13 January 2026. HB&P encourages our members, supporters, and sector colleagues to respond—whether as individuals, organisations, or through wider networks. Even a brief expression of opposition to the proposals will help demonstrate the depth of public concern. Full details, along with the Gardens Trust’s response and guidance on how to contribute, can be found on their website.
We also urge supporters to consider writing to their MP, sharing the consultation within their networks, and supporting the Gardens Trust’s Fighting Fund, which will be essential in the months ahead.
HB&P stands firmly alongside the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust in defending the specialist expertise that underpins a robust and effective planning system. We will continue to advocate for strong protections that recognise the significance of historic buildings, landscapes, and places across England and Wales.
How You Can Help
Respond to the consultation by 13 January 2026:
Government consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforms-to-the-statutory-consultee-system/reforms-to-the-statutory-consultee-system
Gardens Trust guidance and response: https://thegardenstrust.org/support-us/consultation/
For organisations:
Submit an official response and demonstrate sector-wide concern. Examples of supporting letters are available at:
https://thegardenstrust.org/support-us/letters-of-support/
For networks and members:
Share the consultation widely and encourage others to respond. The Gardens Trust is active on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @thegardenstrust
For individuals:
Submit a personal response. Using the Gardens Trust’s response as a basis is fine, but distinct responses are particularly valuable.
After submitting, please send a copy of your response to: enquiries@thegardenstrust.org
Other ways to support:
Write to your MP: https://thegardenstrust.org/what-we-do/statutory-consultee/
Donate to the Fighting Fund: https://thegardenstrust.org/support-us/donate-online/
