DGT has submitted a formal response to the government’s consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system, to oppose the removal of the Gardens Trust statutory role which would significantly weaken protections for England’s historic parks and gardens.
You can read our full response HERE.
We encourage all our members and followers to add their voice and respond to the government consultation. Even a brief expression of opposition to the proposals will help demonstrate the depth of public concern.
The consultation closes on January 13th so please take a few minutes to respond to show the government how many people care about this issue.
View the government consultation HERE and follow the link to RESPOND ONLINE to questions 6 and 7 or by email to [email protected]. Using DGT's or the Gardens Trust’s response as a basis is fine, but distinct responses are particularly valuable.
These are the key reasons we gave for the Gardens Trust to retain its statutory consultee status:
- Essential protection for irreplaceable heritage: Provides critical protection for nationally important parks and gardens that currently have limited statutory safeguards.
- Unique, non-duplicated expertise: Fills a clear gap not covered by Historic England as the only statutory body consulted on Grade II sites, offering specialist conservation expertise unavailable within most local planning authorities.
- Cost-effective and efficient: Delivers high-quality, constructive advice at minimal public cost by drawing on charitable funding and expert volunteers, rarely objecting and often improving proposals.
- Protects setting and significance: Ensures proper consideration of the wider landscape context and setting, which are often central to heritage value.
- Supports better planning outcomes: Helps achieve sustainable, community-supported development whilst protecting irreplaceable green heritage assets from avoidable harm.
After submitting, please send a copy of your response to: [email protected]
Please share the consultation widely and encourage others to respond.
The Gardens Trust is active on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @thegardenstrust
View the Gardens Trust guidance and response HERE
View the letters of support HERE