Services

Heritage Statements

Any proposal affecting a listed building, conservation area, or other designated or non-designated heritage asset must be supported by a robust Heritage Statement. Planning authorities require clear, proportionate analysis demonstrating an understanding of the asset’s significance and the potential impact of proposed works. Without this, applications are at risk of delay or refusal.

We prepare comprehensive Heritage Statements that provide a rigorous assessment of historic significance and setting. Each document is grounded in archival research, statutory designation review, and detailed site inspection. By analysing the architectural evolution, historic context, and contribution of individual elements, we establish a clear evidential baseline from which change can be properly assessed.

Our statements articulate how proposals affect significance—whether through alteration, extension, repair, or change of use—and set out a reasoned justification aligned with national and local planning policy. Where necessary, we include historic mapping, comparative analysis, photographic surveys, and contextual studies to ensure the assessment is both thorough and proportionate.

Importantly, we do not treat the Heritage Statement as a retrospective planning document. We engage at the earliest design stages, advising on constraints and opportunities so that heritage considerations are embedded within the scheme from the outset. This proactive approach strengthens applications, reduces planning risk, and facilitates well-considered, sustainable change to historic environments.

FAQ

What is a Heritage Statement and when is one required?

A Heritage Statement provides an assessment of the historic significance of a listed building, conservation area, or other designated or non-designated heritage asset and considers the potential impact of proposed works. It is commonly required as part of planning applications affecting historic buildings or heritage assets, particularly where alterations, extensions, repairs, or changes of use are proposed.

What does a Heritage Statement include?

Our Heritage Statements are tailored to the significance and complexity of each heritage asset. They can include archival research, statutory designation review, site inspections, historic mapping, photographic surveys, comparative analysis, and an assessment of the building’s architectural evolution and historic context. We then assess how the proposed works may affect heritage significance and setting.

Can you prepare Heritage Statements for listed buildings and conservation areas?

Yes. We prepare Heritage Statements for listed buildings, conservation areas, and other designated and non-designated heritage assets. As a Specialist Historic Building Consultancy, we provide proportionate, evidence-based advice that supports planning applications and helps demonstrate compliance with relevant national and local planning policies.

Do you provide Heritage Statement services across the South East of the UK?

Yes. We provide Heritage Statement services across the South East of the UK, including West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire. Our specialist knowledge of historic buildings, conservation and heritage significance enables us to advise on projects across a wide range of historic environments.

When should I commission a Heritage Statement?

Ideally, a Heritage Statement should be commissioned at the earliest design stage rather than prepared retrospectively for a planning application. Early involvement allows heritage significance, constraints and opportunities to inform the design from the outset, helping to reduce planning risk and support well-considered proposals for the sustainable adaptation, repair or alteration of historic buildings