the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. This means that when a planning authority receives a planning application which affects a site on the Register, or the setting of such a site, the planning authority must consult the Garden History Society. This applies to registered sites of all grades. In addition, Historic England must be consulted where a planning proposal affects a site which is included on the Register at Grade I or Grade II*. Register An online searchable register of all registered parks and gardens that are legally protected through the designation system, has been incorporated into the National Heritage List for England currently available through the Historic England website. This shows the relevant list entry which describes the park or garden, and shows where it is on a map. Not all designated parks and gardens are open to the public. Information on historic parks and gardens can also be searched online via Parks & Gardens UK (a partnership between the Association of Gardens Trusts and the University of York). This site does not claim to have any statutory authority and includes a wider range of sites across the UK. Eligibility Eligibility for the register is based around documentary research and field survey which attempts to classify and date each park according to set criteria. These are: Parks and gardens with a main phase of development prior to 1750 even when only a small part is still evident. Sites with a main phase of development dating to between 1750 and 1820 where enough of the park or garden's landscape survives to reflect the original design. Sites with a main phase of development between 1820 and 1880 which is deemed important and survives relatively intact. Sites with a main phase of development between 1880 and 1939 where this is of high importance and survives intact. Sites with a main phase of development laid out since the Second World War, but are more than 30 years old, where the park or garden is of exceptional importance. Sites influential in the development of taste whether through repute or literary references. Sites which are early or representative examples of a style of layout, or type, or the work of a landscape architect of national importance. Sites with an association with significant people or historical events. Sites with strong group value, as with some listed buildings. As with listed