Heritage and neighbourhood plans

We have prepared this guidance note to help neighbourhood plan groups understand the different types of heritage assets and how to identify assets that are locally important.

In line with the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), local planning authorities and plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment. Identifying and understanding heritage assets as part of neighbourhood development plans (NDPs) can contribute to this and achieve a range of economic, social, and environmental goals as well as delivering sustainable and inclusive development.

Heritage assets are both designated and non-designated. Designated assets are protected by law and include listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments and registered battlefields. Non-designated heritage assets (NDHAs) are protected under national and local policy in local plans and NDPs. Planning positively for the historic environment at the local level, local and neighbourhood plans can identify assets and include policies to ensure their appropriate conservation.

Non-designated heritage assets and neighbourhood planning

NDHAs are defined as:

“buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified by plan-making bodies as having a degree of heritage significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, but which do not meet the criteria for designated heritage assets”

Identifying NDHAs as part of the neighbourhood planning process gives local communities the opportunity to identify assets that are important to them. Buildings such as houses, schools and places of worship are often what communities consider NDHAs. However, groups should also consider the contribution of areas of archaeological potential, street furniture, parks and gardens, landscapes and other types of assets.

We have identified a number of NDHAs to date and will add them to the Local Heritage List (the Local List) for the area. Examples include old school houses, cob walls, earthworks and ridge and furrow landscapes. Recording assets on the Local List recognises them as an irreplaceable resource and allows their heritage significance to be taken in account in a manner appropriate to their significance. National guidance is clear that however they are identified, the decision to identify them as a NHDA should be based on sound evidence.

Guidance for identifying non-designated heritage assets

West Northamptonshire Council has adopted a set of criteria for identifying and assessing NDHAs. The criteria have been formulated using current best practice guidance from Historic England and endorsed by Members.

Groups seeking to identify non-designated heritage assets in their plans should use the criteria to assist in the process. This will help to secure consistent and accountable assessment and ensure that assets meet the required threshold.

Historic England has also produced an advice note for neighbourhood planning groups on the historic environment.

Local heritage list

The Council currently maintains a register of some of the most significant non-designated heritage assets in the West Northamptonshire Area. Heritage assets can be added to the list by the Council provided that they meet the criteria.

Groups who have questions regarding the Local heritage list, please contact the heritage team at [email protected].

Last updated 10 October 2025