Heritage Statements

A Heritage Statement is required for all applications affecting Listed Buildings, unlisted buildings in conservation areas, or ‘locally listed’ buildings, or projects affecting known archaeological or certain other sensitive locations. A Heritage Statement is also required for applications affecting the setting of any of the above.

Listed building consent

If you live in a listed building, then most work to it will need consent. It is important that you contact a professional before you start any work.

In brief, you will not be permitted to demolish a listed building, or make changes which:

• Harm or change the special character of the building
• Affect the strength and stability of the building.

When a building is listed the whole of it is protected, inside and out. Outbuildings and boundary walls are normally also protected by the listing. 

Work that will need to be agreed includes:

• Changing windows and doors
• Painting over brickwork or removing surfaces outside
• Putting in dormer windows or rooflights
• Putting up aerials, satellite dishes or burglar alarms
• Changing roofing materials
• Moving or removing walls inside the building
• Making new doorways
• Removing or changing fireplaces, panelling or staircases.

Note that work not included in this list may also need consent. 

How we can help

If you are applying for consent for work to a Listed Building or a property in a Conservation Area, or doing so on behalf of a client, then we can provide a Heritage Statement, which will be essential for your application.

Our Heritage Statements detail how a development will impact on a ‘Heritage Asset’, with reference to relevant local, national and regional planning policies. Applications for demolition within conservation areas should also include the supporting evidence and justification required by para 133 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Listed building consent is different from planning permission, but the application process is much the same. You may also need planning permission to carry out works.

Hestia Town Planning has considerable experience in preparing these statements for all types of applicants, including architects and other agents.