HERITAGE CONSULTANCY

If your project involves a listed building, a scheduled monument, a conservation area, or land within the setting of a designated heritage asset, you will almost certainly need a heritage impact assessment (HIA) as part of your planning application. Local planning authorities (LPAs) in England and Wales require HIAs under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Policy Wales (PPW) respectively. Even for undesignated heritage assets — historic buildings and landscapes without formal protection — an HIA may be required or strongly advisable. If you are unsure whether your project triggers this requirement, we are happy to advise.

Historic building recording is typically required as a pre-commencement planning condition — meaning it must be completed before development work begins. It is specified according to Historic England Levels (usually Level 2, 3 or 4, depending on the significance of the building and the nature of the proposed works). Level 3 is the most commonly required standard for listed buildings undergoing significant alteration or partial demolition. We have extensive experience of delivering historic building recording efficiently and to the required standard, ensuring your development can proceed on schedule.

Yes. Heritage Innovation provides a full range of archaeological services for development-led projects in the UK planning system. We undertake Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments (DBA), Written Schemes of Investigation (WSI), watching briefs and small-scale archaeological evaluations in-house, all carried out to Historic England and CIfA standards.

A DBA establishes the archaeological potential of a site and its significance before development begins. A WSI sets out the methodology for any subsequent fieldwork, and is typically required by the local planning authority as a pre-commencement condition. Archaeological watching briefs monitor groundworks during development, ensuring that any remains encountered are recorded appropriately.

For larger-scale projects — including major excavations, geophysical survey, specialist finds analysis or human remains — we work with a trusted network of specialist partner suppliers. We manage procurement and quality assurance on your behalf, ensuring continuity of advice and a single point of contact throughout your project. If you are unsure what level of archaeological input your project requires, please get in touch and we will advise you.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction. A Heritage Statement is a broader document that describes the heritage context of a site and its significance. A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) goes further: it systematically assesses the potential impacts of a proposed development on that significance, and identifies measures to avoid, mitigate or offset harm. For most planning applications involving designated heritage assets, a full HIA is required rather than a simple heritage statement. We prepare both, tailored to your project's specific requirements and your LPA's expectations.

A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is a detailed document that establishes what is significant about a historic place and sets out policies for its long-term care, repair and development. CMPs are typically required for complex or high-value heritage assets — listed buildings undergoing major restoration, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, and World Heritage Sites. They are also increasingly required by funders such as Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) when grant aid is being sought. 

We have prepared CMPs for heritage assets across the UK and internationally, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania and Saudi Arabia.

Timescales and costs vary considerably depending on the complexity of the asset, the scope of work required and the stage of the planning process. A straightforward Heritage Impact Assessment for a modest listed building project, or an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for a small development site, might be completed within two to three weeks. A full Conservation Management Plan for a complex designated heritage site may take several months. 

We provide clear fee proposals before any work begins, and our online cost estimator gives a useful indicative figure for the most common services. We aim to be transparent and competitive on price — without compromising on quality or rigour.

Yes. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for significant development projects — including energy infrastructure, major housing and commercial schemes — must include a cultural heritage chapter within the Environmental Statement (ES). We are experienced in preparing proportionate and robust heritage chapters for EIAs, often working alongside environmental and ecological specialists. 

We have a comprehensive understanding of UK national and regional planning policy, and can engage effectively with Historic England, Cadw, local planning authorities and statutory consultees to help deliver pragmatic outcomes for your project.