Scheduled Monument Consent
A monument which has been scheduled is protected against ground disturbance or unlicensed metal detecting. Written consent must always be obtained before any work on a scheduled monument can begin.
Application for Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) must be made to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport before any work can be carried out which might affect a monument either above or below ground level. Some change may also require planning permission, which will should be obtained from the Local Planning Authority.
Historic England gives advice to the government on each application and administers the consent system. In assessing applications, the Secretary of State will aim to ensure that the significance of protected sites is safeguarded for the long term.
Some types of work generally related to agriculture or gardening. Where these activities are already being carried out they are covered by Class Consents and allowed to go ahead without SMC.
Further advice regarding what it means when a monument is scheduled and what requires consent can be obtained from the relevant local Historic England team.
To find your closest team check our contact us page.
It is against the law to:
- Disturb a scheduled monument by carrying out works (outside Class Consents) without SMC.
- Cause reckless or deliberate damage to a monument.
- Use a metal detector or remove an object found at a monument without a licence from Historic England.
Conviction for these offences can lead to fines.
For further information on Scheduled Monument Consent, see Scheduled Monuments: A Guide for Owners and Occupiers
To apply for Scheduled Monument Consent please use the following documents:
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