With regards to the conservation of the historic environment, Gladman refer to the NPPF (2021), paragraphs 199-204, which outline the policy tests which should be applied where development affects designated and non-designated heritage assets. The Councils need to ensure the policy within the GCLP reflects the national policy and aligns with these varying tests.
Specifically, the NPPF (2021) states that developments leading to substantial harm of a designated heritage asset should be refused unless it is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh the harm, where proposals would lead to less than substantial harm then this harm should be weighed against the public benefits. With regards to proposals impacting on non-designated heritage assets, a balanced judgement will be required.