The Heritage
Statement CompanyHERITAGE CONSULTANTS

UNDERSTANDING HERITAGE. INFORMING CHANGE.

What is a
heritage
statement?

The story of a place.
The significance of its past.
A considered case for its future.

A heritage statement explains what makes a historic building or place important, how your proposals would affect it, and the reasons behind the proposed changes. It helps the council assess the heritage implications of your application.

Every Heritage Statement includes a site visit.

Understand what you need
Ornate patterned brick chimney stacks rising above historic tiled and slate roofs
THE DETAIL THAT DEFINES A PLACE
01 The essentials02 Inside the statement03 Our process04 Before you design

01 / THE ESSENTIALS

A required part of
planning and
listed building
consent applications.

A historic house with exposed black timber framing, white infill panels and a gabled frontage
Traditional sash windows and a panelled entrance door in a painted brick house

Applications affecting heritage assets need an assessment of their significance and the effects of the proposed works.

This heritage information is required to support planning and listed building consent applications affecting heritage assets. A Heritage Statement brings that assessment together, giving the planning officer and conservation officer a clear basis for considering the proposals.

Where the council’s applicable validation requirements specify a Heritage Statement, submitting it is mandatory. The assessment can sometimes be incorporated into another supporting document, such as a Design and Access Statement; we check the required format and scope for your application.

This assessment addresses proposals affecting:

01

Listed buildings and their settings

02

Conservation areas and their character or appearance

03

Locally listed buildings and other non-designated heritage assets

The assessment should be proportionate to the heritage interest and the effects of the proposal. We establish the appropriate level of detail for the particular building and scheme.

See NPPF policy HE5 and application information requirements.

WHY THE QUALITY MATTERS

A proposal needs to be understood.
And properly justified.

Drawings show what you intend to change. A well-prepared Heritage Statement explains the heritage reasoning behind those changes and supports the case with evidence.

Without that explanation, important aspects of the proposal can be misunderstood, its effects left unclear and the justification inadequately demonstrated. This increases the risk of requests for further information, delay or refusal. Missing documents required for validation can also prevent the application from being validated.

Our aim is to present a clear, evidence-based assessment that addresses the heritage issues the decision-maker needs to consider. A statement supports the application; it cannot guarantee consent.

02 / INSIDE THE STATEMENT

Research.
Understanding.
A reasoned case.

Our statements bring the evidence and the proposals together in a clear, structured report. The scope is tailored to the building and the works.

A historic street frontage with decorative timber framing, red brickwork and tall chimney stacks
01The building & its context

An introduction to the site, its heritage designations and its surroundings. We explain what is proposed and identify the heritage assets that may be affected.

02History & development

Research into how the building and the local area have developed. Depending on the project, this may draw on historic maps, archive material, photographs, planning records, list entries and the local Historic Environment Record.

We relate that research to the surviving building, helping distinguish its phases of development and understand later alterations.

03Heritage significance

An assessment of what gives the asset its architectural, historic, artistic or archaeological interest, as relevant. We consider its fabric, form, features and the contribution made by its setting.

This identifies the elements most sensitive to change and provides the basis for assessing the proposals.

04The proposals & their impact

An explanation of the proposed works and their effect on the significance we have identified. Where appropriate, a dedicated Heritage Impact Statement sets out the assessment in more detail.

We address potential harm, beneficial effects and measures to avoid or reduce adverse impacts.

05Policy & justification

We assess the proposals against the relevant National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) policies and development plan provisions, informed by Historic England’s advice. We explain how the design responds to the asset and set out the heritage justification, including any proposed measures to address adverse effects. Read more about the policy framework.

06Conclusions & supporting evidence

A clear conclusion supported by the material relevant to the application. Photographs, historic maps, extracts and references help the reader follow the assessment and understand its basis.

A historic gabled country house within its lawns, formal gardens and rural surroundings
BUILDING & SETTINGUnderstanding the whole picture.

03 / AN APPROACH TO SUIT YOUR PROJECT

Good advice first.
A stronger statement follows.

We assess each instruction individually. A two-stage approach is useful where proposals need to be tested or refined, but a separate Heritage Appraisal is not always necessary.

A SITE VISIT. EVERY TIME.

Understanding the building
starts on site.

Historic gabled house with climbing vegetation and traditional multi-pane windows

We always undertake a site visit as part of preparing your Heritage Statement. We assess the areas affected by the proposed works, examine the accessible historic fabric and features, understand the layout and development, and make a photographic record. Where relevant, we also consider the building’s relationship with its surroundings. Some firms prepare desktop-only Heritage Statements without visiting the property. This carries a risk of important fabric, features or relationships being overlooked, leaving the assessment incomplete and weakening the basis of the application.

Photographs, drawings and documentary research are valuable parts of the assessment. However, where a statement does not adequately explain the building’s significance and the effects of the proposed works, the heritage justification may not be demonstrated. This increases the risk of further questions, delay or refusal of the application.

Our assessment brings first-hand understanding of the building together with the research and proposed drawings. A site visit does not guarantee consent, but it gives us a firmer basis for advising you and explaining the works.

Historic England Advice Note 12, paragraph 15 ↗

ALREADY HAVE A DEVELOPED DESIGN?

We may be able to proceed
straight to your Heritage Statement.

Once we have reviewed the available documents, drawings and any council or conservation officer advice, we may consider the design sufficiently resolved and appropriate in heritage terms to proceed directly to the statement. Where further advice or amendments would be beneficial, we recommend an appraisal first.

The route depends on the building, the proposals and the information provided. We explain what is needed on a case-by-case basis.

WHERE A TWO-STAGE APPROACH IS APPROPRIATE

01ASSESS & REFINE

Heritage Appraisal

Understand the building.
Test the proposals.

We assess the building against your intended works, identifying sensitive features, potential concerns and opportunities to improve the scheme. We explain where changes to the design, materials or extent of intervention could produce a more sympathetic outcome.

We review any advice already received from the council or local conservation officer, including the pre-application report where available. This helps us understand the issues raised and advise on how the proposals could respond.

THE OUTCOME

Practical heritage advice to help you and your designer refine the proposal before committing to the full statement.

02RESEARCH & EXPLAIN

Heritage Statement

Build the evidence.
Explain the approach.

Once we consider that the proposal has a sound basis in heritage terms, we move on to preparing the statement. We undertake the research needed to understand the building’s development, its surroundings and its significance.

We bring together historic mapping, relevant records, the building’s surviving fabric and the proposed drawings. The report explains what matters, assesses the effects of the works and presents the heritage justification for the scheme.

THE OUTCOME

A project-specific Heritage Statement to support your application, including a Heritage Impact Statement where needed.

If we identify unresolved heritage concerns, we explain them and advise on the options. The final decision on an application rests with the local planning authority.

04 / BEFORE THE FIRST DRAWING

The best time
to understand
a building?
Before you
change it.

A weatherboarded barn with a slate roof and surviving historic fabric requiring repair
Understanding what survives before considering change.

You don’t need a finished design to involve us.

Our early Heritage Appraisal can take place before proposals have been formulated. We help you understand the building’s significance, which elements are most sensitive, and where there may be scope for change.

That advice can inform your brief, guide your architect or designer and help you explore options with a clearer understanding of the heritage constraints.

  • Identify important fabric and features early.
  • Understand the opportunities and sensitivities.
  • Give the design a considered starting point.
  • Inform any pre-application discussions.

A useful first step when you know what you want to achieve, but are still deciding how.

YOUR PROJECT / PRACTICAL QUESTIONS

Thinking about
making changes?

You may know what you want to achieve without knowing how it would affect the building’s heritage significance. These are some of the questions we can help you explore.

Tell us about your project
01Can I create a new opening in a wall?

We consider the wall’s age, construction, surviving features and contribution to the historic layout. We then assess the proposed position and size of the opening, the fabric that would be lost and whether a different location or a smaller intervention could reduce its impact.

02Can I remove an internal partition?

We establish how the partition relates to the building’s development and whether it contributes to its significance. Later alterations can also have heritage interest. The assessment considers what would be lost, how the arrangement of rooms would change and whether important features could be retained.

03Can I replace or add a window?

For replacement windows, we consider the age, significance and condition of the existing joinery, including whether repair is practicable. For new openings, we assess the loss of fabric and the effect on the elevation. Materials, proportions, glazing and detailing all inform the assessment.

04Can I add an extension?

We consider its scale, position, design and connection to the existing building. We assess the effect on significant fabric, the building’s form and the contribution of its surroundings, then advise where changes to the proposal could produce a more sympathetic result.

05Can I convert a barn or commercial building?

We assess how the proposed use and associated works would affect the character and significant features of the building. This can include new floors and partitions, windows and doors, insulation and services. We consider how those requirements can be accommodated while retaining the features that explain the building’s history and former use.

These examples illustrate our approach. The advice and consent requirements depend on the individual building and the proposed works.

05 / HERITAGE IMPACT

What changes.
And what it means.

A brick and weatherboarded watermill reflected in a pond surrounded by trees and reeds
A building and its relationship with its setting.

A Heritage Impact Statement explains how the proposed works would affect the significance of the heritage asset.

Where needed, we include this within our Heritage Statement. Often called a Heritage Impact Assessment, it connects the understanding of the building with a detailed assessment of the proposals.

It can consider the loss or alteration of historic fabric, changes to character and appearance, and effects on setting. It also explains how the design has responded, including any measures to avoid or reduce harm and any heritage benefits.

UNDERSTAND

What is significant?

Identify the heritage interest affected by the works.

ASSESS

How is it affected?

Explain the nature and extent of the change.

RESPOND

How is it addressed?

Set out design responses, mitigation and justification.

06 / POLICY & PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

A clear assessment.
Grounded in the framework.

We connect the evidence about your building with the policies and guidance relevant to the proposed works. Each reference has a purpose: to explain the assessment and support the reasoning behind it.

A historic red brick house with sash windows, a slate roof and a classical door surround
Applying the framework to the individual building.
NPPF

National Planning
Policy Framework

The August 2026 NPPF addresses heritage in Chapter 20. Relevant decision-making policies include:

HE4
Conservation and justification for harm.
HE5
Assessment of significance, setting and effects.
HE6
Decisions affecting designated heritage assets.
HE7
Decisions affecting non-designated heritage assets.
HE9
Proposals affecting conservation areas.

We identify which provisions apply to your scheme and relate our conclusions to them. Policy HE5 also requires reference to the relevant Historic Environment Record.

Read the current NPPF
HEAN 12

Statements of Heritage Significance

Historic England’s Advice Note 12 informs the analysis of significance, the selection of sources and the structure of the assessment. Understanding the asset provides the foundation for considering change.

View Advice Note 12 ↗
GPA 2

Managing Significance in Decision-Taking

Good Practice Advice 2 provides a framework for understanding heritage significance, assessing proposals and using relevant evidence and expertise. We apply its principles to the specific fabric, history and sensitivities of the building.

View Good Practice Advice 2 ↗
GPA 3

The Setting of Heritage Assets

Where setting is relevant, Good Practice Advice 3 helps us identify affected assets, understand the contribution of their surroundings, assess change and explore ways to avoid harm or secure enhancement. Setting involves more than visibility alone.

View Good Practice Advice 3 ↗

LEGISLATION & PLANNING PRACTICE

The wider decision-making context

Our assessments recognise the statutory heritage considerations under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, including sections 16, 66 and 72 where applicable. We also refer to the government’s Planning Practice Guidance on the historic environment.

View historic environment guidance ↗

THE LOCAL CONTEXT

Specific to your building and council

We review relevant Local Plan and neighbourhood plan policies, conservation area appraisals and management plans, local heritage records and the council’s validation requirements. We also consider any pre-application response or conservation officer comments supplied to us.

These sources help us address the particular issues facing your scheme, from important historic fabric to the building’s contribution to its surroundings.

We use Historic England’s technical guidance alongside current policy. Some older guidance is being reviewed following the revised NPPF; references are considered in that context.

07 / THE HERITAGE STATEMENT COMPANY

Exposed historic timber roof trusses and wall framing inside a barn
Reading the building, from its fabric to its history.

Historic buildings.
Informed advice.
Considered change.

We are heritage consultants with extensive experience preparing Heritage Statements for historic buildings and heritage assets.

Our work combines an understanding of buildings and their development with the research and analysis needed to explain their significance. We help owners and their designers understand the heritage implications of a project and put forward a clearly reasoned proposal.

From an early idea to a developed scheme, our approach is practical and specific to the place. We explain the issues clearly, advise where improvements can be made, and produce statements that address the works being proposed.

We welcome enquiries of all sizes and prepare Heritage Statements for a wide variety of projects, from minor works such as replacing windows and small-scale extensions to the full conversion of commercial buildings. No project is too small: we tailor our advice and the scope of the statement to the building and the proposed works.

WHERE WE WORK

East of England.
London. South East.

We undertake Heritage Statements, Heritage Appraisals and Heritage Impact Assessments across the East of England, London and the South East. We can also cover other areas where required.

HERITAGE APPRAISALSHERITAGE STATEMENTSHERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

FROM A SINGLE ALTERATION TO A FULL CONVERSION

Let’s talk about
your building.

Tell us what you are planning, whether you have drawings and any advice you have already received. We will get back to you to discuss how we can help.

Make an enquiry