Changes to historic buildings can be challenging; care and attention need to be made, and often this is dictated by the affected asset. Understanding how a development will affect the special architectural or historic interest of a listed building or the setting of a listed building, is paramount to inform design and changes to a heritage asset.
Fully understanding the heritage constraints of your development at an early stage can save both time and money as more often than not, heritage is an afterthought. In most circumstances, issues concerning heritage are identified at the application’s validation stage thus invalidating the application. In some cases, Heritage Statements are requested after a scheme has been drawn and during the course of preparing the Heritage Statement, issues can arise with the proposed scheme that conflict with heritage. To overcome conflict, changes to the proposal are usually required.
At Heritage Unlimited, we can provide design and development advice to guide your project, whether your project involves works to a listed building or its setting, or a large scale development constrained by a conservation area.
Plans and Technical Drawings
Heritage Unlimited have the in-house capability to provide drawings required for Listed Building applications. We use AutoCAD software to create and layout the standard details required for floorplans, elevations and other details necessary to meet the requirements for planning submissions and can also provide more technical drafting details depending on the project involved.
Development Advice & Design Guidance Frequently Asked Questions
How can Heritage Unlimited help with your proposed project?
We understand the historic fabric and architectural style of your building and what impact changes could have on the surrounding area and setting. Given our specialist knowledge we can apply this and work with you to achieve your ambition whilst retaining sympathetic to the building to receive a favorable response from the planning authority.
Do you work with Architectural practices?
We are happy to collaborate with architects to provide feedback and guidance on proposed projects they are working on.
What is the benefit of consulting a Heritage Practice from the outset?
It can save time and money to the client if a scheme is produced with the Heritage Asset at the forefront of the development.
What are the benefits of using HUL to provide my planning drawings?
Once we receive digital survey drawings, we can work with you to help guide your project, simplifying the process by being your single point of contact.
- Understanding heritage
Our Heritage Services
We work with clients across a wide range of sectors, delivering tailored advice and specialist reports to support their projects. Speak with our specialists and advance your project with clarity, assurance, and confidence.
Conservation Area Appraisals
Heritage Unlimited can provide detailed and meaningful Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.
Conservation Management Plans
Our expert team understands the unique historical context of each building, and our comprehensive plans help guide and manage future works to a heritage asset.
Development Advice & Design Guidance
Fully understanding the heritage constraints of your development at an early stage can save both time and money as more often than not, heritage is an afterthought.
Heritage Appeal Statements
If your application has been refused, an appeal can still help you achieve your goals. Appeals safeguard fairness in planning decisions and remain a vital route to securing a positive outcome.
Heritage Assessments
Our Heritage Assessments set out the significance of affected assets and the likely impact of your proposals. They support pre application discussions and help shape projects from the earliest stages.
Heritage Statements
Required for any application affecting a heritage asset, this document explains the asset’s significance, outlines proposed changes to its fabric or setting, and assesses them against statutory and NPPF tests.
Historic Building Recording
Often required as a planning condition, this work documents a building to one of four recording levels, from basic to highly detailed. We provide all levels of recording for listed and non designated heritage assets.
Listed Building Consent Applications
Are the formal process for making changes to a listed building and at Heritage Unlimited we can prepare, submit and monitor the application on your behalf.
Listed Building Survey & Repair Advice
At Heritage Unlimited our understanding of historic and traditional construction methods mean we are well versed in providing suitable repair solutions for historic buildings.
Energy Efficiency and Retrofit
Our ABBE Level 3 accredited experts advise on retrofitting historic buildings for enhanced energy efficiency, lower bills and emissions, while preserving building integrity.
Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments
At Heritage Unlimited, we deliver thorough desk-based archaeological assessments to fulfil local planning authority requirements for developments in Archaeological Priority Areas.
Planning Objections
Concerned or affected by a proposed development that impacts a listed building or conservation area? Heritage Unlimited can prepare policy-led planning objections on your behalf from inappropriate schemes.