The Effects of Scheduling

Scheduled Monument Consent

A monument which has been scheduled is protected against disturbance or unlicensed metal detecting. The Secretary of State must be informed about any work which might affect a monument above or below ground, and English Heritage gives advice to the Government on each application. In assessing each application the Secretary of State will try to ensure that damage done to protected sites is kept to a minimum.

Written consent must always be obtained before any work can begin. Application forms are available from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport - and can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of this page. Some development may also need planning permission.

Some types of work, generally related to agriculture or gardening, where these activities are already being carried out, are allowed to go ahead without consent.

Managing Scheduled Monuments

We aim to encourage owners to maintain their scheduled monuments in good condition by adopting sympathetic land uses. This may simply mean restricting stock levels sensibly or controlling undergrowth. English Heritage has locally based monument wardens who can offer owners more detailed advice on how to manage their monuments.

For some sites in rural settings, the best form of management may be through agri-environmental incentive schemes.

Grants

There is a range of grant incentive schemes for owners, including programmes run by Natural England for farmers or through Stewardship for land managers generally. English Heritage makes grants to help with major repairs. Our regional teams and Field Monument Wardens can give owners advice on local schemes and general management issues.

Criminal Offences

It is a against the law to

• Damage a scheduled monument by carrying out works without consent
• Cause reckless or deliberate damage
• Use a metal detector or remove an object found with one without a licence from English Heritage

Conviction for these offences can lead to fines.