The historic environment is a fundamental element of Wales’ national heritage and collective identity. The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 aims at preserving, protecting, and managing the country’s historic environment for future generations.
The Act defines a monument as any structure, building, or work, along with their site, relating to previous human activity within Wales. It lays out a schedule of monuments of national importance that cannot be altered, disturbed or destroyed. The legislation provides for the maintenance of historic parks and gardens through registration. It also mandates the creation of a list of historic place-names and historic environment records for every area of Wales.
The Welsh Ministers have the power to designate a conservation area and ensure that the city’s character is preserved. The Act provides for the regulation of works that affect monuments and sets out laws governing excavation and restoration work and any changes to listed building status. This ensures that Wales’ landmarks and historic structures are not lost to future generations but letting them be preserved and restored to their former glory.
The legislation also focuses on the protection of privately-owned structures but equally protecting those monuments owned by the state.
It establishes strict enforcement mechanisms and penalties for contravening its provisions to ensure compliance with its provisions. Non-compliance with set rules may result in steep monetary fines in addition to unimaginable damage to the historical or natural heritage of Wales.
The Act was developed by taking into consideration in-depth consultation from various professional organisations, enthusiasts of heritage, and interested parties from across Wales. It’s an effort to ensure that the historic environment remains preserved and maintained for generations to come. This Act is a game-changer in the way that Wales’s historic sites are managed and provides more protection and clarity for our country’s heritage sites.
