At Heritage Unlimited, based in London, we provide a professional heritage statement service tailored to meet your needs. Our experienced team of heritage professionals offer comprehensive advice and guidance for all types of heritage projects.
A Heritage Statement, also known as a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is a process of evaluating the potential impact of a proposed development or project on heritage resources. The purpose of the statement is to identify any potential impacts on historic or cultural resources, and to determine appropriate mitigation measures to minimise or avoid any negative impacts.
The purpose of a Heritage Statement is to ensure that any development or project is carried out in a manner that protects and preserves cultural heritage resources, including buildings, landscapes, archaeological sites, and other important cultural artefacts. The assessment typically involves research, documentation, and analysis of the historical and cultural significance of the resources in question, as well as an evaluation of the potential impacts of the proposed development on these resources.
The statement process may be required by local or national laws or regulations, or it may be voluntarily undertaken by developers or other interested parties. The results of the assessment can be used to inform the decision-making process for the proposed development, and may be used to shape the design and implementation of the project to minimise any negative impact on cultural heritage resources.
Our services include assessments for listed buildings and other protected areas as well as advice on planning applications, conservation policies and more.
We understand the complexities of dealing with heritage assets and can help you navigate the process with ease.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect and enhance your heritage.
Heritage Statements Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Heritage Statement?
A Heritage Statement is a written assessment of the importance of a property or area for its historic, architectural and cultural significance. It provides detailed information about the heritage asset’s history, characteristics and current condition. The statement also includes advice on conservation issues and potential development opportunities.
What are the benefits of a Heritage Statement?
A Heritage Statement can provide invaluable insight into a property or area. It not only helps to preserve and protect its unique heritage, but it can also give guidance on the most appropriate and sustainable development solutions. With specialist advice from our experienced team, you can be sure that your project is carried out in the best way possible.
Why do I need a Heritage Statement?
Heritage Statements are required for a wide range of planning applications and conservation projects. If you are considering any form of development on or around a listed building, protected area or other heritage asset, then a Heritage Statement is essential. It provides an accurate picture of the significance of the site or asset and can help inform your decision making process.
- 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.