DO I NEED A HERITAGE CONSULTANT?

Simply put, if you’re looking to make changes to a listed building, or to a property within a Conservation Area, then the answer is likely yes. 

Gaining planning permission or listed building consent is often a necessary part of a development project and providing a Design and Access Statement or Heritage Statement can be the clincher between success and failure. 

What is a Conservation Area?

The statutory definition of a conservation area is an “area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. 

The power to designate conservation areas is given to councils through the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservations Areas) Act, 1990, and once designated, proposals within a conservation area become subject to local conservation policies. 

There are approximately 10,000 conservation areas in England, ranging from historic towns and cities, parks, model housing estates, fishing and mining villages, to 18th and 19th century suburbs and historic transport links, such as stretches of canal.

Although these areas vary greatly in their nature and character, the council’s duty to preserve or enhance them can impact, delay or even prevent planned works.  

Understanding Listed Building Consent

A listed building or structure is one that is included on the statutory list of 'buildings of special architectural or historic interest'. The entire building, both inside and out, is usually protected, and any structures which are either attached to the building or fall within its curtilage. It sometimes includes garden walls, statuary and outbuildings.

There are approximately 400,000 listed building entries in England (historicengland.org.uk), and three classifications or grades:

- Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest because of the site’s national, architectural or historical importance. Examples includes The Houses of Parliament, Hampton Court Palace and Tower Bridge. 

- Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest and include examples such as Battersea Power Station and Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. 

- Grade II buildings are of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them. Examples include the BT Tower in London. 

Most listed building owners are likely to live in a Grade II building as these make up 92% of all listed buildings.

If you live in, or are planning works to, a listed building or structure that involves alterations, extensions or demolition, you will need Listed Building Consent. Listed Building Consent differs from planning permission, but it’s important to note that you may need both to carry out any planned works. 

How We Can Help

Whether you’re a home-owner, or an architect or developer looking for professional advice on redevelopment or refurbishment works, our friendly team of experts can help.

We are qualified professionals with extensive experience of dealing with historic buildings and the benefit of the insight provided by a fully qualified architect. We can offer advice on every aspect of your planned works and help prepare the necessary documents and statements in order to secure the relevant consent or permissions. 

Use the form below to get in touch today.