The Gardens Trust says it is now in an urgent situation following the Government’s announcement that, under new proposals, it will no longer be a statutory consultee within the English planning system.
This means that developers will be able to push through projects without any requirement for the local planning authority to consult us on their impact on historic parks, gardens, and landscapes.
Currently the Gardens Trust is a statutory consultee for all planning applications that may affect a site nationally designated on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. There are over 1,700 Registered parks and gardens, split into Grades I, II*, II.
The Gardens Trust receives some 1,800 planning application consultations each year and provides local planning authorities with many hundreds of constructive advice recommendations to support positive change.
“We don’t recognise ourselves in the government’s characterisation of statutory consultees” the Trust said. “We only rarely miss the 21-day response deadline and last year objected to less than 10% of our consultations, with the remainder of our responses being simply supportive advice.
“Our role as a statutory consultee has been vital in making sure that historic parks and gardens can play an active role in creating a healthy and thriving society, whilst protecting irreplaceable landscapes from inappropriate development. Without our voice in the planning system, historic gardens and designed landscapes across the country will face increased risk of destruction and irreversible damage.”
“The Government claims these reforms will speed up housing delivery, but our expertise ensures that development is done sensitively, respecting all that these special places have to offer while still allowing for progress.
“Without the Gardens Trust, who will stand up for the landscapes we love? Who will safeguard our green heritage for future generations?”
It is seeking support to strengthen advocacy efforts to challenge these proposals and ensure that historic gardens and landscapes are not sacrificed in the name of unchecked development. Donations could help us fund:
- Legal and Consultancy Fees – Engaging legal experts to challenge the government’s decision, draft formal responses, or advise on advocacy strategies.
- Research and Data Collection – Gathering evidence to support advocacy efforts, such as impact assessments, surveys, or expert reports on historic landscapes.
- Volunteer and Staff Support – Covering expenses for staff and volunteers working on the campaign, including travel, training, and administrative costs.
- Lobbying and Political Engagement – Costs related to meeting with MPs, policy advisors, and government officials, as well as preparing briefing documents.
- Public Relations and Communications – Hiring PR professionals to manage media outreach, write press releases, and organise interviews to gain public and political support.
- Advertising and Social Media Promotion – Paid digital campaigns, such as social media ads, to reach a broader audience to mobilise supporters.
To support the funding appeal, please donate via the website.
