When pre-application advice is required and the local planning authority (LPA) is engaged for their input prior to submitting a planning application, the more information submitted the better the response will be from the LPA.
At Heritage Unlimited we can provide a Heritage Assessment to inform and document the heritage constraints of the site. The assessment seeks to provide the LPA with a full understanding of the affected heritage and context of the impact the proposal will have on the identified assets. The document also provides a rationale to why heritage assets have been scoped out of the assessment. The assessment allows for the LPA to provide constructive feedback to inform a further planning application. It should be noted that pre-application advice received from the LPA is based on an officer’s opinion and not the opinion of the Council. As such, the LPA is not duty-bound to adhere to the officer’s pre-application advice.
Heritage Assessments Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Heritage Assessment?
If you are considering any form of development on or around a listed building, protected area or other heritage asset, then a Heritage Assessment is essential. It provides an accurate picture of the significance of the site or asset and can help inform your decision-making process. If consulting with the local planning authority through a pre-application advice process they will require an assessment to be carried by a professional service to help inform them on the site.
- 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.