We welcome the updating of the Listed Building and Conservation Area Guidance. New guidance will be of significant benefit to property owners and professionals working with historic buildings throughout the city.

However, we have concerns about aspects of the current draft guidance. The draft lacks clarity and consistency. Sections of text within the current guidance may be interpreted as a loosening of technical criteria, implying the potential for approval of works to a Listed Building that may adversely ‘affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest’ as stated in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, Section 6.

We recommend that the guidance is developed further in collaboration with heritage organisations that are involved in the co-management of the historic built environment of our city, including Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) and others such as the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and the Cockburn Association. 

Edinburgh World Heritage works in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council to preserve, protect and promote the Outstanding Universal Value of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. We have over 25 years of expertise in the conservation, repair and retrofit of historic buildings, planning in our historic city centre, and management of the World Heritage Site. 

We have shared detailed comments on the Draft Guidance with colleagues in the City of Edinburgh Council. Our comments and recommendations are based on our professional experience and specialist technical knowledge of Edinburgh’s historic buildings.