Heritage statements

Listed buildings, conservation areas and archaeological sites represent a precious and irreplaceable resource.

They give distinctiveness, meaning and quality to the places where we live, work and visit and make an important contribution to our quality of life and sense of place. When a scheme is proposed for development, alteration or repair it is therefore essential to consider how these actions may affect the significance of that building or site, its constituent parts and its setting. This understanding of significance and the potential impact of proposals, forms the basis against which the merits of any scheme can be judged. When the local planning authority receives a listed building application, or many types of planning applications, it must have sufficient information to understand fully the implications of the proposal. The potential impact of a scheme and the steps that have been taken to avoid or minimise damage should be demonstrated through a Heritage Statement.

The scope and degree of detail necessary in a Heritage Statement will vary according to the particular circumstances of each application. Applicants are advised to discuss proposals before any application is made. The following is a guide to the sort of information that may be required for different types of application.

Where such information is not provided with an application the city council may:

• Refuse to register an application until sufficient supporting information on the impact of the proposals is provided
• Formally ask for such information to be provided under the planning regulations, and defer consideration of the application until such information is forthcoming
• Refuse an application and/or request it to be withdrawn

When is a Heritage Statement required?

• All works to, or affecting, a Listed buildings
• All works to a Locally listed buildings
• All development within a Conservation areas
• All development affecting an Archaeology planning advice
• Works affecting a scheduled ancient monument

There may be other examples when a Heritage Statement is necessary. Please contact the local planning authority to confirm whether a Heritage Statement is required.

What should a Heritage Statement contain?

Not all of these items will need to be covered for all forms of development. If in doubt ask the relevant officer.

• Significance of the place, including its status e.g. Grade II, Scheduled Ancient Monument.
• Description of the site and surrounding area (making reference to conservation area appraisals):
  
  • What are the predominant materials.
  • What is the character of the area.
  • What existing design is prevalent.
  • How does the proposal protect or preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.
  • What is the street form/street pattern.
  • Look at scale and massing.
• Assessment of historic maps
• History of the development of the site/building.
• Reference to relevant planning history.
• Annotated photographic record.
• Full historic/archaeological survey.
• Schedule of works (cross referenced to floor plans/elevations with annotations and photographs.
• Justification for the proposed works.
• What investigative work may be required whilst the work is taking place (e.g. soft strip, test pits).
• Incorporation of the old and the new.
• Impact of any change of use or increased intensity of use and proposed mitigation (e.g. the insertion of new kitchen will increase humidity; the change of use from a private residence to public building will increase the intensity of the use causing more wear and tear).
• Description of any material to be removed, its date and significance.
• Details of what will happen to material to be removed (e.g. disposed of, relocated, archived).
• How surrounding material will be protected.
• What materials are going to be used.
• Details of any conservation advice, or other advice, received, outcome of discussions with English Heritage.
• What recording will take place.
• Consideration of siting/location of works.
• Reference to all relevant policies and discussion of how the proposed works comply with the same.
• Methods to be used, e.g. cleaning.
• Skills required to undertake the works e.g. lime specialist, paint conservator, general builder.

Further detailed guidance is available in relation to Archaeology and Development in the Archaeology and Development SPG

Local Guidance - Heritage Statement (including Historical, archaeological features and Scheduled Ancient Monuments)

 Local Guidance - Heritage Statement [21kb]

Further information and advice may also be sought from the following:

Katharine Metcalfe, Conservation Officer (advice on conservation areas & listed buildings)

Andrew Pye, Archaeology Officer (advice on archaeology and development)

Detailed advice may require a site visit and pre-application submission of documents before a full assessment of the information required can be made.