Our Services
What we can do for you.
We provide a number of services involving historic buildings and their context in spatial planning. Whilst the below does not constitute an exhaustive list, it may give you an idea of the type of work we do and how we can help deliver a successful project.
Initial Site Appraisal
Initial advice can take the form of a pre-acquisition feasibility study or an appraisal of a building or site you already own. Our research will highlight heritage constraints and limitations, as well as opportunities for change or adaptation, ensuring you avoid costly abortive work at design stage.
The aim of professional heritage guidance at such an early phase is to identify the potential of your property. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the significance of the site, providing a framework on which to build ideas for your proposal.
Heritage Statements
Ideally, a Heritage Statement should be commissioned prior to commencement of design work, to guide ideas and inform on the most appropriate and feasible course of action. At the most basic level it can take the form of a desk-based assessment, though more complex works may necessitate a site visit and ongoing support.
Heritage Statements are required as part of any application for works proposed to the Local Planning Authority, which affect heritage assets. To ensure approval, they should demonstrate that the proposals preserve the significance of historic places.
Public Inquiry and Appeals
The refusal of a planning or listed building consent application don't always bode the death of a proposal. Appeals made to the Planning Inspectorate can successfully overturn the decision of a Local Planning Authority. Professional advice and assistance to support an appeal can greatly increase your chances of success.
Our involvement can range from handling the entire process to standalone advice and input. We aid in the production of Statements of Appeal and liaising with all interested parties.
Planning and Design
Professional planning and design advice will accompany a range of our other services. Our focus is to ensure permission for your project is achievable and that the proposal complies with all the parameters as set out by the Planning Authority, with regards to heritage. After all, there is little satisfaction in devising works which may never materialise or which meet with refusal.
To ensure compliance, we will review all the relevant policy, legislation and guidance. This will help inform you of potential issues, pro-actively finding solutions before problems arise.
Heritage Statements
As Heritage Statements constitute our most common enquiry, we'd like to make our offer as transparent as possible from the outset. Detailed information on the nature of the document and the process is provided below. Prices start at just £500 for a desk-based assessment. Please reach out for a free quote.
What is a Heritage Statement and why do I need one?
With regard to works requiring the permission of a local planning authority, paragraph 194 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2021) places the onus on the applicant 'to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting'. Further, it sets out that 'the level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance'.
In plain terms, this means that all applications affecting the special interest of a heritage asset must be accompanied by a Heritage Statement, sometimes referred to as a Heritage Impact Statement or Heritage Assessment. This is one of the validation requirements for such applications, and proposals will not be considered without this type of document.
As a general guide, the contents of a Heritage Statement will need to:
- Identify the asset affected by the proposal and the constraints (designations) it may be subject to;
- Describe and assess the assets' significance, comprised of evidential, historic, aesthetic and communal values;
- Describe the works planned as part of the application and identify the impact it will have on the significance ; and
- Justify the proposed development based on an informed understanding of the interrelationship between the degree of heritage significance and changes proposed, with regard to both National and Local Planning Policy, in addition to guidance provided by Historic England.
The framework for assessing the significance of a heritage asset, and the impact of works thereupon, has been outlined by Historic England guidance, which supplements Planning Policy. First described in Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance (2008), later publications built upon the existing knowledge base culminating with Statements of Heritage Significance: Analysing Significance in Heritage Assets (2019). Our professional service conforms to all relevant legislation, policy and guidance, ensuring your chances of gaining permission are maximised.
More straightforward proposals may only need a desk-based assessment to produce all necessary documentation. This option presents best value. Unlike our competitors, our policy is to avoid overcharging clients for gratuitous services. To enable our work, we will need a full photographic schedule of the property, which we can be assessed and included in the finalized document. This service is available nationally due to the remote nature of the work.
For more complex proposals we recommend that a site visit is carried out, during which our consultants can inspect the site and its elements to provide a comprehensive assessment, inclusive of planning and design advice. We are able to attend locations around Greater London and surrounding areas, particularly Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hampshire.
Why choose us?
With extensive experience of working within Local Government, we are well positioned to understand the expectations and requirements of Local Planning Authorities. We offer a high quality, comprehensive service with no hidden or inflated costs. Quick turnaround time, at a maximum of 15 working days from written appointment, guarantees your project will be completed within deadlines.
What are the costs?
Cost can vary depending on the service required, significance of the asset, and the complexity of your proposal, but start at just £500 for a desk-based assessment.
