Evans & James Heritage Consultants were approached by a developer and asked to produce a Heritage Impact Assessment for the demolition of a 1960s bungalow to be replaced by a contemporary two storey home in a village near Burton upon Trent. Whilst the property itself was not listed, and was outside the boundary of the conservation area, there were concerns that the setting of a grade II listed property opposite the proposed development would be detrimentally affected. The Local Authority therefore requested that a Heritage Impact Assessment be prepared for the development with challenging deadlines for the submission of the requested document.
What is a Heritage Impact Assessment?
A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is a detailed evaluation used to assess the potential effects of proposed developments on heritage assets, such as listed buildings, conservation areas, or archaeological sites. It identifies the significance of the assets, evaluates how the project may impact them, and suggests mitigation strategies to minimise harm. Required by planning authorities, a HIA ensures that development aligns with regulations like the National Planning Policy Framework, protecting the nation’s cultural and historical heritage. This includes undertaking the following:
Significance Assessment: Evaluation of the asset’s historical, architectural, cultural, and archaeological significance.
Impact Analysis: Assessment of how the proposed works will affect the heritage asset’s significance, character, and setting.
What was the Outcome?
Evans & James were happy to help and conducted a weekend site inspection and undertook the write up out of hours in order to meet the deadline, and enable the developer to submit the completed Heritage Impact Assessment.
Contemporary developments within a village setting can be contentious and there were a number of objections to the proposals. The developer worked collaboratively with the Local Authority to overcome these concerns through amending proposals including altering the orientation of the first floor which was originally horizontal to the ground floor and cantilevered. The scheme then went to Planning Committee for consideration and was approved. The visual seen is the final design. Evans & James Heritage Consultants are thrilled for both the developer and the land owner and wish them every success in the build of this new home.
