As a practice we have a wealth of experience in dealing with historic and listed buildings of all shapes, sizes and uses. This allows us to assist you from day 1 of your interest in a property, with everything from maintenance to large scale alterations, conservation repairs and building works.
These will be as described under building surveys and indeed we can provide a wide range of survey reports to suit the client’s requirements. With regard to historic buildings, whether the building is listed or not, we take into account the nature and type of construction and provide advice and solutions that we believe most appropriate for the building and the circumstances. Where the building is listed, we provide advice and assistance with regard to listed building consent.
A heritage statement will often be required when submitting an application for listed building consent and sometimes will be required if an application is being made for grant monies. Where the proposed works are extensive and involved, the heritage statement is likely to be a lengthy and comprehensive document. Where the works are minor, the heritage statement is likely to be relatively short. In a heritage statement we will include information about the background and the history as well as a basic overview of condition. The heritage statement will usually include a statement of significance wherein an assessment is made of the building, its component parts and/or areas or associations. Such an assessment will help inform any proposed alteration to the building. The heritage statement will consider the proposed works and the impact they might have on the building and specifically on any issues of significance. For many heritage statements, we are able to produce the document in-house, but occasionally there is a need to bring in consultants such as architectural historians or archaeologists. The need for such additional inputs will be identified at an early stage and discussed with the client prior to commencement of the work.
We can offer a full range of services for any alteration work however big or small you may have in mind for your property. We can do this from the initial building survey right through concept and detailed design, to technical aspects of the project and management on site. We have substantial experience in the re-ordering and extending of listed buildings and heritage assets. Including the practicality of proposed schemes, their viability from a planning perspective and their delivery on site. Our experience allows us to help steer your project through the processes as smoothly as possible, identifying the potential pitfalls and highlighting the most probable route for a successful and pleasing project.
Perhaps the most common use of a conservation management plan is in discussions between an owner and a local authority and in some instances a conservation management plan can become a binding document. It aims to identify how the building or the site will be managed and in many instances it will identify works that, by prior agreement, may not need listed building consent on each and every occasion that item of work is undertaken. It will often also identify those matters where an application will be necessary. In some situations it aims to pre-empt the need for applications for minor routine matters. Depending on the circumstances, a conservation management plan may be something that we can produce completely in-house, or with other appropriate consultants. In some instances we provide specific conservation advice and input to other lead consultants. If you are in need of a conservation management plan, please discuss your requirements with us and we can provide detailed advice as to what might be most appropriate and what might be required in terms of a team of consultants to produce the plan.
In particular when dealing with historic buildings, especially those in the public sector it can either be required or preferable to undertake regular building inspections to identify defects or possible issues. The recognised procedures for these are Quinquennial (5 yearly) or Quadrennial (4 yearly) inspections. We are happy to consider appointments for this type of work on all types of building and canagree with you on an individual basis what the best approach may be for your particular building. These appointments, particularly with church bodies, are often personal appointments but even in these instances the individual is covered by the practices insurance and general working procedures.