Briefing Note: Heritage reform in Wales including the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016

Written by Jonathan Thompson. First published on 17 Mar 2021, and most recently revised on 1 Mar 2022.

This briefing note covers issues with heritage protection in Wales, the largely-complete Historic Environment Review, and the implications of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 for members. The Review has substantially improved heritage planning policy and guidance, after much CLA lobbying, but it has not attempted to solve the biggest problem, the implications of the lack of heritage resource in Welsh local authorities.

Key contact:

Jonathan Thompson Senior Heritage Adviser, London