Arthian’s heritage consultants provide assessments, HIAs, and consent guidance across the UK and Ireland. Supporting sensitive development and historic environment compliance.
Heritage Consultant Advice for Planning & Environmental Compliance
At Arthian, our heritage consultants provide expert assessment and planning support across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. We evaluate the archaeological, architectural and historic significance of buildings, landscapes and buried assets—ensuring developments are designed with sensitivity and delivered in line with planning and legislative frameworks.
Whether you’re preparing a feasibility study or responding to planning conditions, our consultants deliver proportionate, evidence-based assessments tailored to your region and sector. We also help clients navigate complex heritage consent regimes, including Listed Building Consent, Scheduled Monument Consent, and contributions to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
Our Heritage Consultancy Process
We support clients throughout the planning lifecycle—from early screening to post-consent documentation—ensuring heritage is addressed alongside ecology, landscape and planning inputs.
Our services include:
- Initial Screening & Scoping Early identification of built and buried heritage constraints, supporting pre-application advice and strategic risk management.
- Heritage Desk-Based Assessments (DBAs) Archival research, policy review and mapping to understand site significance, context and development sensitivity.
- Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) Evaluating how proposals affect designated and non-designated heritage assets, with recommendations for mitigation.
- EIA Chapter Development Writing heritage chapters for Environmental Statements, coordinated with ecological and visual impact inputs.
- Consent Negotiation & Strategy Supporting applications for consents including Scheduled Monument and Listed Building, with direct liaison to national bodies.
- Mitigation & Design Advice Heritage-led design inputs to reduce visual impact, improve setting and enhance planning outcomes.
- Pre-Acquisition Enquiries Advising on heritage constraints during early site selection or asset acquisition.
All reports are produced in line with national planning policies and guidance documents from authorities such as Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw, and the National Monuments Service.
Why Choose Arthian
- Trusted heritage consultancy operating across the UK and Ireland
- Experience navigating complex consent regimes and planning systems
- Integrated reports aligned with ecology, landscape and EIA requirements
- Tailored assessments for housing, energy, infrastructure and minerals sectors
- Clear communication with planning authorities and statutory consultees
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Heritage Impact Assessment? An HIA evaluates how a proposed development affects historic assets and settings. It’s often required for applications affecting listed buildings, conservation areas or scheduled monuments.
- Do I need a heritage consultant before applying for planning permission? Yes—early heritage screening is recommended by planning guidance. We help scope requirements and determine whether formal assessments are necessary.
- What is Scheduled Monument Consent? SMC is a legal requirement for works affecting scheduled monuments, even if planning permission isn’t required. We support applications and liaise with national heritage bodies.
- Can you contribute to an Environmental Impact Assessment? Absolutely. We write heritage chapters for EIA submissions and collaborate with in-house specialists to deliver cohesive, policy-aligned reporting.
