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A Heritage Statement is a tailored document that assesses the historical and architectural significance of a heritage asset (typically listed buildings, conservation areas or non-designated heritage assets), its setting, and the design and potential impact of proposed development or alterations. Typically prepared in accordance with best practice and relevant planning policy, it will often draw on-site inspections and archival research including historic maps, photographs and historic environment records. It will occasionally include direct consultation with the local planning authority. The assessment first establishes the asset’s significance before considering how the proposed works may affect it, and, where necessary, makes recommendations for mitigation and measures to avoid, minimise or address adverse impacts. Heritage Statements are a more lightweight document than the more comprehensive Heritage Impact Assessment and therefore suitable for pre-application enquiries or minor schemes where a heritage asset or its setting may be affected by proposals.
Much like the Heritage Statement, the Heritage Impact Assessment will assess the historical and architectural significance of a heritage asset, its setting and the likely impacts upon this significance from a perspective of design, but in a more comprehensive and involved manner suitable for large and/or complex schemes. This would again be produced according to best practice and the relevant regulatory framework against which the scheme should be gauged, and will therefore involve site survey, background research and perhaps consultation with the relevant authorities. It will as such establish the nature and extent of significance before turning to the likely impacts of proposals and how designs may mitigate these where necessary. Importantly, in addition to the usual due diligence and an overarching assessment against the relevant regulatory framework, methodologies specifically directed by Historic England would also be brought to bear, exercising proposals to result in far more robust schemes with a greater fitness for purpose and likelihood of approval.
In this respect, WS Heritage prepare all records to comply with Historic England guidance “Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice”.
This guidance outlines processes for investigating and recording historic buildings, helping practitioners and curators produce accurate, appropriate records that support historical understanding and meet their intended purposes. It may even form the basis of a Conservation Management Plan.
Records of historic buildings are compiled for the following reasons:
In accordance with Historic England’s guidance, WS Heritage offer four widely adopted levels of record:
Level 1: this includes a basic visual record with a minimum of information needed to identify the building’s location, age and type. It contributes towards a wider study and is normally used to gather basic information and generally based on exteriors.
Level 2: is a descriptive record, like Level 1 but when more information is required. Both the exterior and interior will be seen, described and photographed. The examination of the building produces an analysis of its development and use, as well as including the conclusions reached that will include basic plans & other drawings.
Level 3: this is an analytical record comprising an introductory description and detailed account of a building’s origins, development and use. It presents the evidence underpinning the analysis, enabling its validity to be reviewed, and includes appropriate drawn and photographic records to illustrate the building’s appearance, structure and support historical analysis.
Level 4: this provides a comprehensive analytical record and is appropriate for buildings of special importance. The methodology employed will clarify the history so far as it may be deduced from the structure itself, the record will draw on the full range of other.
Listed buildings offer beautiful, characterful homes, but purchasing these heritage assets can carry risks, particularly where previous alterations may have been undertaken without Listed Building Consent, which can constitute a criminal offence under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Internal or external alterations that affect a building’s special architectural or historic character—such as changing windows, creating doorways or adding extensions—may require consent, and responsibility for unauthorised work is passed on with the property rather than the person who carried them out, meaning new owners may inherit the liability. Enforcement can require costly reinstatement, with potential prosecution and penalties for non-compliance. WS Heritage can assess a property’s significance, built form and planning history, identify potential unauthorised works and advise on regularisation through listed building or planning applications.
Seeking professional advice before purchase can help buyers avoid unexpected costs and difficulties, support price negotiations and ensure an informed decision.
Early consideration of the historic environment can help identify heritage and archaeological constraints before significant time and investment is committed to a project.
WS Heritage can review outline designs, concept schemes and sketches, drawing on online research and experience to highlight potential issues, recommend mitigation by design and identify the likely need for further work, such as a Heritage Statement, Heritage Impact Assessment or Archaeology Desk-Based Assessment.
Engaging with heritage specialists at the outset provides greater flexibility to avoid or minimise impacts on assets such as Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Scheduled Monuments, Non-Designated Heritage Assets and Areas of Archaeological Priority, whereas addressing these constraints once detailed designs are fixed can lead to costly redesigns, excavation, delays or even planning refusal. By incorporating heritage considerations from the earliest stages, you can better manage risk, protect project budgets and maximise the prospects of a successful planning application.
A Cultural Heritage Environmental Statement (ES) provides a phased assessment of heritage and archaeological constraints and forms an important part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required for certain large or complex developments, such as major infrastructure, energy and transport projects.
The process typically involves early site screening and scoping, establishing a baseline, undertaking targeted investigations, assessing potential impacts and developing mitigation measures in consultation with planning authorities and heritage agencies. This may include Heritage Statements, Archaeology Desk-Based Assessments, Historic Building Recording, geophysical surveys and archaeological works, followed by a detailed Heritage Impact Assessment and consideration of cumulative impacts.
By identifying and addressing heritage risks early, the process can minimise adverse impacts, avoid costly redesigns and support economically and environmentally viable development. Our team has extensive experience delivering Cultural Heritage ES for major EIA schemes, providing clear, robust assessments and pragmatic advice to help clients achieve successful planning outcomes.