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Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Scheduled Monuments

The historic environment of West Lothian plays an important part in the quality and character of the area.

West Lothian's historic environment includes unique listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, archaeology and designed gardens and landscapes. 

The protection and enhancement of the historic environment is important in order to enable all of us, as well as future generations, to value and enjoy.

The council is responsible for designating conservation areas. If you live in a conservation area you will need planning permission for most external extensions and alteration to your home. The Government agency Historic Environment Scotland (opens new window) is responsible for designating listed buildings and maintaining the records of the country's listed buildings. You can check whether your home is listed on the Historic Environment Scotland website. (opens new window)

 

 

Conservation areas
Conservation areas are areas which are worthy of protection or enhancement because they have a special architectural or historic character. Special regulations apply for development in conservation areas. Most development which in a conservation area will require an application for planning permission or conservation area consent
Listed buildings
Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural or historic interest and are subject to special controls. Whilst Historic Environment Scotland undertakes the listing, it is the council that decides whether or not any proposal to alter or extend a listed building will require listed building consent. This includes work to the exterior and/or interior of the building
Scheduled monuments
A scheduled monument is a monument of national importance that the Scottish Government has given legal protection under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979