FAQs

A heritage consultant is a specialist in identifying the significance of heritage assets and providing expert advice on proposed alterations or developments where heritage assets are likely to be affected. Heritage assets comprise the following: World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Protected Wreck Sites, Registered Park and Gardens, Registered Battlefields or Conservation Areas. Also, Assets identified by local planning authorities as being of heritage interest are included on a “local list” or Index.

A heritage consultant is valuable in a number of situations; - you could be purchasing a historic building and want to know more about any changes you may be thinking about such as replacement windows, internal alterations or an extension. You already own a historic property and seeking to make alterations and wish to discuss whether this needs a listed application or have consent and require discharge of conditions or advice on materials to be used. You may have taken on a property which is subject to enforcement action and require advice on how to resolve this. Or simply wish to know more about conservation-related repairs to your property.
There are national and local requirements determining the need for supporting information to accompany planning and listed building consent applications. If a proposal would affect a listed building or conservation area, then a heritage report is likely to be required as a part of any submission. This report is required to describe the significance of any heritage assets that could be affected by the development proposals, including any contribution made by the settings of those assets or the conservation area. Inspire Heritage Services Ltd can help with providing this information in the form of a heritage statement. We can also help you submit the application and liaise with the local authority conservation officer or planning officer.

No. While a good planning consultant or architect understands where heritage sits in the planning system a Heritage consultant has the professional expertise to fully assess what is of importance (or termed significance in the National Planning Policy Framework) of the heritage assets proposed for alteration. Advise also includes a review of the proposal, any impacts and/or mitigation.

Yes. Anyone offering built heritage advice should be a Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Accredited members of IHBC work according to agreed standards and a Code of Conduct.

Alterations, extensions and works involving demolition. Internal or external will require consent from your local planning authority if they would affect the special interest of the listed building.

Once an application has been submitted local planning authorities are usually able to determine applications within eight weeks. If you seek pre-application advice, then this may take a further four weeks or more, depending on the complexity of the project. Councils usually provide guidance about this on their websites.

The service we provide will be built on an understanding of your needs. Inspire Heritage Services Ltd will provide a detailed fees quotation so that you know exactly what we will be charging for and how much it will cost. During the course of a project, there may be additional costs, from extra commissioned work or meetings, but these will be agreed with you in advance so that there are no surprises at the end of the project.