We are a team of experienced heritage professionals and are here to assist in developing bespoke, robust and considered Heritage Impact Assessments and Heritage Statements for your project.

A Heritage Statement is a crucial report required by Local Planning Authorities (LPA) when applying for planning permission or Listed Building consent. This report assesses the impact of proposed developments on buildings or areas of architectural, historical, or archaeological significance.

Local Planning Authorities may refer to this document as a Heritage Statement, Heritage Impact Assessment, Heritage Assessment, or Significance Assessment.

These reports detail the unique characteristics that make a building or area special and analyse how proposed changes might affect these qualities.

They provide an opportunity for applicants to explain the necessity of their proposals and justify the planned works.

Furthermore, they demonstrate how the proposals have been developed with an understanding of the site’s special attributes, and, if needed, propose measures to mitigate potential impacts.

Typically, a Heritage Statement will:

• Identify the building or asset affected by the proposed development or works.
• Assess and describe the elements contributing to the heritage asset’s significance, focusing on historical, architectural, and archaeological aspects.
• Describe the nature of the proposed development and its potential impact on the heritage asset’s significance.
• Justify the proposed development based on a thorough understanding of the heritage significance and the changes being proposed.

A Heritage Asset is any building, monument, site, place, area, or landscape identified as having heritage significance, warranting consideration during the planning process.

This significance can be historical, architectural, archaeological, or related to character and appearance. Heritage assets, which help us understand the past, include listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and other sites recognized by the local planning authority, such as those on local lists.

Heritage assets can be found both above and below ground.

A well-crafted Heritage Statement not only evaluates the potential impact of a proposed development but also guides the project by suggesting necessary mitigations and identifying enhancement opportunities, aligning with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

It’s important to note that while a Heritage Statement is not an advocacy document, it allows applicants to present their proposals in the best possible light. This includes demonstrating how the proposal considers and responds positively to the significance of the heritage asset and adheres to relevant policy requirements.