cultural heritage CONSULTANCY

We have over 30 years experience of managing heritage in the UK planning system, and extensive practical understanding of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in England and Planning Policy Wales (PPW). We can help you navigate the complexities of heritage and planning legislation to ensure that your project is compliant at all stages.

A heritage impact assessment summarises the history of a place, and describes its significance. It assesses potential impacts and includes strategies to mitigate adverse effects. We have a thorough knowledge of policy and guidance, and extensive experience of preparing heritage impact assessments. We can quickly and expertly assess your site to support your project ambitions.

A conservation management plan (CMP) draws together the history of a place to understand what is significant, and uses that information to develop detailed restoration, repair and conservation programmes. We have extensive international experience of preparing CMPs for historic buildings and landscapes, including World Heritage Sites. We distill our expertise to provide a  bespoke approach for your particular project.

A cultural heritage management plan is an action plan for the future development of a heritage site. This goes beyond conservation, and looks in  detail at operations, interpretation, education, marketing and business development. We have prepared management plans and business plans for international cultural heritage sites, including complex open-air locations, castles, ethnographic museums, archaeological museums and national archives. 

Disaster risk management (DRM) is an important tool for anticipating and mitigating a wide range of scenarios which can adversely affect cultural heritage sites. Risks encompass dramatic events like fire, flooding, landslide and terrorism - as well as more incremental damage through erosion, pests, pollution and climate change. We have produced DRMs for museums, archives, religious buildings and archaeological sites in several countries.

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) include an Environmental Statement (ES) with an archaeology and cultural heritage chapter. We are experienced in preparing proportionate ES heritage chapters, often in close co-operation with specialist partners. We have a comprehensive understanding of UK national and regional planning policy and practice, and can help towards pragmatic outcomes for your heritage issues.