Historic England (HE) issues a further update to its checklist to help local authorities deal with contested heritage decisions, less than 11 months after its previous update. Its ‘primary focus’ is updated from ‘listed buildings (which may include statues, plaques, and other commemorative structures such as memorials and monuments)’ to ‘the full or partial demolition of statues, monuments, memorials or plaques’.

Previously, HE advised that local authorities must consult on works related to listed buildings. This has been updated to a requirement to notify HE on the ‘full or partial demolition of statues, monuments, memorials or plaques which are … part of Grade II listed buildings’. There is an additional new requirement to consult the Secretary of State on the same proposals.