Historic Building Recording

Level 1 to Level 4 recording

We offer a tiered approach to historic building recording, ranging from basic photographic surveys to detailed analytical documentation. This ensures appropriate levels of insight and preservation, tailored to the building’s significance and project needs.
 

• Level 1: Basic visual inspection and photographic record.
• Level 2: Descriptive record with annotated photographs and limited measured drawings.
• Level 3: Analytical documentation including measured drawings and written interpretation.
• Level 4: Comprehensive record with detailed drawings, written analysis, and historical research.

Recording of listed and unlisted buildings

We undertake detailed recording of both listed and unlisted buildings to support planning, conservation, and heritage management. Our approach is tailored to the significance of the asset and the nature of the proposed works, ensuring that historic character and context are fully understood and documented. Including groups of buildings, setting issues, and structures of local interest, our work helps inform sensitive change and supports compliance with heritage policy and guidance.
 

Our building recording services include:

 
• Measured surveys and photographic recording
• Historic research and significance assessments
• Heritage impact assessments
• Recording prior to alteration or demolition
• Contextual analysis of building groups and their settings
• Documentation of locally listed and non-designated heritage assets

Design and regeneration advice

We provide expert heritage input to support design and regeneration projects that enhance historic settings and contribute to sustainable placemaking. Our advice helps shape proposals from the earliest stages, ensuring that heritage considerations are embedded in design thinking and planning strategy. Supporting proposals that enhance historic settings, with input into planning discussions and liaison with statutory consultees, we help unlock opportunities for positive change in sensitive contexts.
 

Our services include:

 
• Heritage-led design advice for regeneration and development
• Input into masterplanning and urban design frameworks
• Early-stage consultation and design review support
• Liaison with local planning authorities and statutory consultees
• Advice on setting, townscape, and visual impact
• Integration of heritage values into design and access statements

Pre-application and EIA support

We offer strategic heritage advice at the earliest stages of project development, helping to shape proposals that are both viable and sensitive to their historic context. Our input identifies key constraints and opportunities, ensuring that heritage considerations are fully integrated into planning and environmental strategies. Early-stage input to identify constraints and opportunities, helping shape viable and sensitive development strategies is central to our approach, supporting successful outcomes through informed decision-making.
 

Our support includes:

 
• Heritage scoping for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
• Baseline assessments and desk-based research
• Early engagement with planning teams and consultees
• Identification of heritage constraints and opportunities
• Advice on mitigation strategies and design evolution
• Contribution to EIA chapters and supporting documentation

Ecological integration

We offer coordinated advice where heritage and ecology intersect, helping to manage complex issues sensitively and effectively. Our work supports integrated strategies that respect both historic and natural environments, particularly in cases involving protected species or landscape features. Coordinated advice where heritage intersects with protected species or landscape impacts—such as bat roosts or historic tree lines – ensures that development proposals are both compliant and contextually appropriate.
 

Our integrated heritage-ecology services include:

 
• Joint assessments of heritage and ecological constraints
• Advice on historic buildings with bat roosts or nesting sites
• Input into tree surveys and management of historic tree lines
• Support for mitigation and enhancement strategies
• Collaboration with ecologists and landscape specialists
• Contributions to biodiversity net gain and green infrastructure planning

3D Reconstruction, Visualisation and Visual Impact Analysis

We use advanced digital tools to model historic environments and assess how proposed changes may affect their appearance and character. Our visualisations support interpretation, consultation, and design refinement, helping stakeholders engage meaningfully with heritage assets. Digital modelling of historic features to support interpretation, consultation and design refinement, alongside assessing how changes affect the appearance and character of buildings and their settings, ensures that proposals are both informed and sensitive to their context.
 

Our services include:

 
• 3D modelling and reconstruction of historic buildings and landscapes
• Visualisations for design development and public engagement
• Townscape and setting assessments
• Views analysis and photomontage production
• Heritage impact assessments and mitigation advice
• Integration with planning, EIA, and design documentation

Urban Characterisation

We evaluate townscapes to inform planning and conservation strategies, helping to guide development that responds to local character and historic context. Our assessments explore the form, function, and evolution of urban areas, providing a robust evidence base for decision-making. Evaluating townscapes to inform planning and conservation strategies ensures that change is managed in a way that respects and reinforces distinctive place identity.
 

Our urban characterisation services include:

 
• Townscape and streetscape analysis
• Historic development mapping and narrative
• Identification of character areas and key features
• Input into design codes and masterplans
• Support for conservation area appraisals and management plans
• Advice on integrating new development into historic settings