Planning permission is a critical process when making alterations to registered parks and gardens in the UK. Such sites are not just open spaces but important historical, cultural, and natural assets. When these spaces are part of the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, any changes must be carefully evaluated for their potential impact on the heritage value of the site. A recent example of this process can be seen in the installation of the Longboi statue at the University of York, which illustrates the steps needed to successfully obtain planning permission for changes to such protected areas.
Understanding Registered Parks and Gardens
The National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England, maintained by Historic England, was established in 1984, and includes over 1,700 designed landscapes (such as parks and gardens) assessed to be of particular significance. The Register includes specially designed landscapes of all ages. According to Historic England....
The emphasis of the Register is on gardens, grounds, and other planned open spaces, such as town squares. Many sites registered are, or started life as, the grounds of private houses, but public parks and cemeteries form important categories too. Even hospital landscapes and two pumping stations are included, because they have skilfully planned surroundings reflecting the landscaping fashions of their day. The emphasis of the Register is on 'designed' landscapes, rather than on planting or botanical importance.
Why are Parks and Gardens Registered?
The purpose of registering parks and gardens is to celebrate and encourage protection of, important landscapes in order to safeguard them from inappropriate development that might diminish their historic or aesthetic value; much like the system used for protecting listed buildings. These landscapes are key to understanding social, cultural, and environmental history, reflecting changes in design trends, horticultural practices, and the ways people have used outdoor spaces over centuries. A registered park or garden may be significant for a variety of reasons. These reasons include, but are not limited to, age of the assets layout and features, rarity as an example of a historic landscape design, and quality of the surviving landscape. Parks and gardens that are considered to be less than 30 years old are seldom often designated.
Famous Registered Parks and Gardens
Here are a few well-known examples of registered parks and gardens, showcasing the diversity and richness of these landscapes:
Stowe, Buckinghamshire (Grade I)
Stowe is one of England's most famous and iconic landscape gardens, designed in the 18th century by some of the leading architects of the time, including Capability Brown. Its vast parkland is dotted with classical temples, lakes, and woodland, epitomising the ideals of the English Landscape Garden movement. The gardens at Stowe are considered a masterpiece, reflecting changing tastes in landscape design from formal French-style layouts to a more naturalistic, flowing style.
Regent's Park, London (Grade I)
A Grade I registered park in the heart of London, Regent's Park was designed by John Nash in the early 19th century. It is celebrated for its formal gardens, avenues of trees, and the inclusion of the famous ZSL London Zoo. The park exemplifies the blending of recreational spaces with ornamental beauty in a busy urban setting.
Biddulph Grange, Staffordshire (Grade I)
This Victorian garden is a unique and eclectic space, showcasing themes from around the world. Designed by James Bateman, Biddulph Grange contains elements inspired by Egypt, China, and Italy, as well as areas dedicated to showcasing specific plant species. The garden is known for its quirky design and variety of styles, making it a highly distinctive historical landscape.
Birkenhead Park, Merseyside (Grade I)
Opened in 1847, Birkenhead Park is one of the world's first publicly funded parks, designed by Joseph Paxton. It set the template for many other public parks around the world, including New York’s Central Park. Birkenhead Park is a key example of how the 19th-century urban park movement transformed industrial cities by providing accessible green spaces for the public.
How Are These Parks and Gardens Protected?
Being on the register does not mean that parks and gardens are frozen in time; instead, it ensures that changes to these landscapes are managed carefully. Owners of registered parks and gardens, whether they are public bodies, private individuals, or charitable trusts, must seek advice and consent from relevant authorities if they plan to alter the landscape in ways that could affect its historic or aesthetic integrity.
Local planning authorities are also required to consider the significance of a registered park or garden when assessing development proposals that could affect the site or its setting. This includes not just physical changes within the garden but also nearby developments that could impact views or the overall character of the space.
Many registered parks and gardens are managed by organisations such as the National Trust or English Heritage, which ensures that they are preserved and maintained according to high standards. Additionally, grants and funding may be available for conservation work through various heritage and environmental programs.
Case Study: University of York Campus West Designed Landscape
The University of York’s West Campus is notable for its carefully designed landscape, which has been recognised as a significant example of modern university planning in harmony with nature. Established in the 1960s, the campus was designed with a focus on integrating academic buildings within a green, park-like setting, emphasising the relationship between architecture, natural surroundings, and sustainable development.
The Vision Behind the Design
The landscape of the West Campus was developed under the guidance of architects Sir Andrew Derbyshire and Stirrat Johnson-Marshall, alongside landscape architect Frank Clark. Their vision was to create a university campus that would promote a sense of community and well-being for students and staff, set within a tranquil and beautiful environment.
Key elements of the design include:
Naturalistic Landscape: The campus is characterised by its naturalistic landscaping, with large areas of open green space, trees, and shrubs. It was intentionally designed to evoke a parkland feel, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The goal was to create an atmosphere conducive to learning and reflection, as well as recreational and social activities.
Central Lake: One of the most distinctive features of the West Campus is its large artificial lake. The lake was created both for aesthetic reasons and to support biodiversity. It also serves as a natural reservoir for water management, helping to reduce the risk of flooding. The lake, with its winding shape and surrounding walkways, provides a focal point for the campus and is a popular spot for students to relax and enjoy nature.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: The lake and the surrounding greenery are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and other bird species, as well as aquatic plants. The landscape was designed with sustainability and biodiversity in mind, making it a habitat for local wildlife and enhancing the ecological value of the area.
Human Scale and Accessibility: The architects placed a strong emphasis on human-scale design, ensuring that the landscape and buildings were proportionate and accessible. Pathways were designed to connect various parts of the campus efficiently, encouraging walking and cycling. The buildings themselves are positioned to offer scenic views of the lake and green spaces.
A Legacy of Sustainable Design
Since its inception, the University of York’s West Campus has been praised for its forward-thinking approach to landscape design. Its commitment to integrating buildings within a thoughtfully planned natural environment set a benchmark for university design in the UK and abroad. Over the years, the campus has undergone expansions, but efforts have been made to preserve the original design philosophy, ensuring that new buildings and landscapes respect the existing layout and ecological balance. The West Campus is not just a space for academic pursuits, but also a place where nature, sustainability, and community intersect. Its blend of modernist architecture with natural beauty continues to inspire students, staff, and visitors, making it an essential part of the University of York’s identity.
The Longboi Statue
The university’s decision to install a statue of Longboi, to celebrate the life of a much-loved campus duck famous for his extraordinary length, attracted public attention not only because of its subject but also due to the need for careful planning approval in such a setting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Planning Permission
Pre-Application Consultation
Before embarking on the formal application process, it is advisable to conduct a pre-application consultation with the local planning authority (LPA). This helps to clarify whether your proposed changes need full planning permission and what documents are required. The key goal of the pre-application phase is to assess potential issues and get early feedback. In some cases, the proposal might need adjustments based on heritage considerations. It is not clear whether the university submitted a pre-application, but it will regardless have worked with local planning officers to understand how this quirky tribute could impact the historic character of the landscape.
Heritage Impact Assessment
Any development within a registered park or garden must be accompanied by a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). This document outlines the historical importance of the site and assesses the potential effects of the proposed alterations. For the Longboi statue, this assessment evaluated how the new installation would fit within the university’s listed landscape and whether it preserved or enhanced the heritage value of the grounds. The HIA should address:
The significance of the landscape and its historic features.
The scale and visual impact of the proposed alteration.
Whether the change contributes positively to the character of the area.
Design and Justification Statement
The application must include a Design and Access Statement. This explains the reasoning behind the design choices and how they respect the character of the park or garden. For the Longboi statue, the university was required to demonstrate that the lifesize statue, which was composed of bronze and stood atop a stone plinth, had been designed to complement the existing natural environment and did not detract from the aesthetic harmony of the surrounding gardens and water features. The justification statement also addresses issues like:
Why the new structure or alteration is necessary.
How the design respects the historic landscape.
How it ensures minimal disruption to the environment and local wildlife.
Public and Stakeholder Consultation
Engaging with the public and key stakeholders is often a critical part of the process, particularly for beloved public spaces like those at the University of York. For the Longboi statue, widespread public support was crucial in making the case that the installation would not only be a light-hearted tribute but also a positive addition to the cultural landscape of the university. A formal consultation period was required, during which interested parties could voice their opinions or concerns.
Submission to the Local Planning Authority
Once all necessary documents have been prepared, including site plans, the HIA, the Design and Access Statement, and any ecological surveys (if relevant), the formal planning application is submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). For the University of York, the LPA was the City of York Council. The council then reviews the application, considering factors such as:
Impact on heritage and historical significance.
Environmental effects and compliance with local planning policies.
Design quality and overall appropriateness for the site.
The process can take several weeks, during which time the LPA may request additional information or revisions to the application.
Screenshot of the City of York Council Planning Portal 
Notice of Proposed Development Approval and Conditions If the planning permission is granted, it often comes with conditions. For example, the development must be completed to the approved designs and within 3 years of works commencing. Compliance with these conditions is essential. Failure to do so can result in fines or the removal of the structure.
Implementation and Ongoing Management Once permission is secured, work can begin. It’s crucial to ensure that any construction or alteration is closely monitored to meet the agreed specifications. The Longboi statue, for example, had to be installed with minimal disruption to the local environment, ensuring that the natural balance of the campus’s parkland was maintained. Additionally, ongoing management of the site ensures that the alteration continues to fit harmoniously within the landscape over time.
Lessons from the Longboi Statue Application
The University of York’s experience in installing the Longboi statue is an excellent case study of how to navigate the planning process for alterations within a registered park or garden. The success of this application highlights several key takeaways:
Early consultation with the planning authority and other stakeholders can smooth the process.
A well-prepared Heritage Impact Assessment and Design Statement are crucial in demonstrating that the change will not harm the site’s historical value.
Public support can be influential, especially for projects that add cultural or educational value.
Planning authorities are likely to impose conditions on approved applications, so being prepared to meet these requirements is essential for a successful outcome.
In conclusion, while altering a registered park or garden can be a complex process, careful planning and consideration of the site’s historical importance are key to securing permission. The Longboi statue stands as an example of how modern interventions can respectfully co-exist with historically significant landscapes, enhancing public enjoyment without compromising heritage value.
At Blue Willow Heritage, we provide expert advice on planning, the historic environment and conservation works to historic buildings. If you need support managing your Registered Park or Garden, then Blue Willow Heritage can help. If you would like to discuss your project or simply would like to have a chat, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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