Heritage Assessments

Initial Screening & Scoping

We carry out early-stage heritage screening to identify built and buried heritage constraints, supporting pre-application advice and strategic risk management. This helps developers understand potential impacts on cultural assets from the outset, enabling informed decisions and smoother planning pathways.
 

Our service includes:

 
• Review of heritage datasets and records: Analysing Historic Environment Records (HER), national databases, and local archives.
• Mapping of known and potential assets: Identifying listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and areas of archaeological interest.
• Assessment of development footprint: Evaluating proximity and sensitivity of heritage features relative to proposed works.
• Support for pre-application discussions: Providing clear, evidence-based inputs to inform early engagement with planning authorities.
• Risk-based recommendations: Highlighting areas requiring further investigation or mitigation to reduce planning risk.

Heritage Desk-Based Assessments (DBAs)

We undertake comprehensive desk-based assessments to understand the significance, context, and development sensitivity of heritage assets. Through archival research, policy review, and mapping, DBAs provide a foundation for informed planning decisions and help identify the need for further investigation or mitigation.
 

Our service includes:

 
• Archival research: Reviewing historic records, maps, and previous investigations to build a detailed site history.
• Planning policy review: Assessing relevant national and local heritage policies to understand constraints and compliance requirements.
• Mapping and spatial analysis: Identifying known heritage assets and evaluating their relationship to the proposed development.
• Assessment of significance and sensitivity: Determining the cultural value and vulnerability of built and buried heritage features.
• Planning-ready reporting: Producing clear, structured outputs to support applications, consultations, and heritage statements.

Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs)

We carry out Heritage Impact Assessments to evaluate how proposed developments may affect designated and non-designated heritage assets. These assessments help ensure that heritage considerations are fully integrated into planning decisions, with clear recommendations for mitigation where impacts are identified.
 

Our service includes:

 
• Assessment of designated and non-designated assets: Including listed buildings, scheduled monuments, conservation areas, and locally significant sites.
• Evaluation of setting and significance: Analysing how development may alter the character, context, or visibility of heritage features.
• Impact analysis: Identifying potential direct and indirect effects on heritage assets.
• Mitigation recommendations: Proposing design changes, buffer zones, or conservation strategies to reduce or offset impacts.
• Planning-ready reporting: Producing clear, evidence-based documents to support planning applications and stakeholder engagement.

EIA Chapter Development

We prepare heritage chapters for Environmental Statements, ensuring archaeological and built heritage considerations are fully integrated into the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Our work is coordinated with ecological, landscape, and visual impact inputs to provide a holistic understanding of potential effects and support planning decisions.
 

Our service includes:

 
• Authoring heritage chapters for Environmental Statements: Structured to meet EIA regulations and planning authority expectations.
• Coordination with wider EIA disciplines: Aligning heritage assessments with ecology, landscape, and visual impact teams.
• Assessment of direct and indirect impacts: Evaluating effects on heritage assets and their settings throughout the development lifecycle.
• Mitigation and enhancement recommendations: Proposing strategies to reduce harm and promote heritage value.
• Planning-ready documentation: Delivering clear, compliant chapters suitable for submission and public consultation.

Consent Negotiation & Strategy

We support applications for heritage consents, including Scheduled Monument Consent and Listed Building Consent, ensuring that proposals are well-informed, appropriately justified, and aligned with national heritage policy. Our team liaises directly with statutory bodies to streamline the consent process and secure positive outcomes.
 

Our service includes:

 
• Preparation of consent documentation: Developing clear, evidence-based submissions tailored to heritage asset significance and planning requirements.
• Direct liaison with national bodies: Engaging with organisations such as Historic England and Cadw to support negotiations and respond to feedback.
• Strategic advice on heritage constraints: Identifying risks and opportunities early to inform design and reduce delays.
• Coordination with design and planning teams: Ensuring heritage considerations are integrated into wider project strategies.
• Support through consultation and determination: Providing expert input during stakeholder engagement and formal decision-making stages.

Mitigation & Design Advice

We provide heritage-led design advice to help reduce visual impact, improve the setting of heritage assets, and enhance planning outcomes. By integrating cultural heritage considerations into the design process, we support sensitive development that respects historic character while meeting project objectives.
 

Our service includes:

 
• Heritage-led design input: Advising on layout, massing, materials, and landscaping to minimise impact on heritage assets.
• Setting enhancement strategies: Identifying opportunities to improve the visual and contextual relationship between new development and historic features.
• Design review and refinement: Collaborating with architects and planners to shape proposals that respond to heritage constraints.
• Support for mitigation planning: Recommending practical measures to offset or reduce adverse effects on cultural heritage.
• Planning and stakeholder engagement: Providing clear, defensible advice to support applications and consultations.

Pre-Acquisition Enquiries

Understanding heritage constraints early in the site selection or asset acquisition process is essential to managing risk and unlocking development potential. Our team provides clear, pragmatic advice to help you make informed decisions before committing to a site.
 

We support clients with:

 
• Heritage constraints assessments to identify known and potential archaeological and built heritage issues.
• Desk-based reviews of Historic Environment Records (HER), designations, and previous investigations.
• Strategic advice on site viability, planning risk, and mitigation options.
• Input into land acquisition strategies, helping prioritise sites with fewer heritage-related constraints.
• Early engagement with stakeholders, including local authorities and heritage bodies, where appropriate.

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