Heritage Statements & Design & Access Statements

It is normally a requirement of planning authorities that applications for listed buildings are accompanied by an evaluation in the form of either a Heritage Statement or a Building Impact Assessment, as well as a Design and Access Statement.

A statement should summarise the historic interest of the building and its significance before considering the impact of proposals.

Carrying out this kind of assessment is the particular skill of a conservation consultant.

A Heritage Statement will consider:

• What makes a building special or unusual
• How it has evolved over time, and how any changes or alterations contribute to or detract from its importance
• Its condition – sometimes this is relevant to an application if economic viability is a consideration
• Its setting – the setting can also be of historic interest & is particularly relevant to new development

We will finally undertake an Impact Assessment, which will consider the physical and visual impact of any alterations.