When is one required?
National planning policy requires a heritage statement with any application that affects a heritage asset — listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and buried archaeology. Most councils will not validate an application without one where it applies.
What should it include?
A description of the asset and its significance, an explanation of your proposals, and an assessment of how they affect that significance. The level of detail should be proportionate: a small extension needs far less than a major conversion.
Who writes it?
It should be written by someone with relevant expertise. Planning authorities give more weight to statements prepared by accredited professionals, such as those from a CIfA Registered Organisation like MAP.
How much does it cost?
Fees depend on the asset and the proposals. A statement for a householder extension is usually a modest, fixed fee; larger schemes need more research. We quote fixed prices once we have seen the site and drawings.
What happens next?
The statement goes in with your planning application. Where it identifies harm, it should also set out justification and any mitigation, which our team can help you develop.
This guide is general information, not advice for a specific site. Talk to our team about your project.