A Heritage Statement is often required when submitting a Planning or Listed Building application to your local council. We provide clear, compliant Heritage Statements for all project types, from theatres and commercial buildings to home extensions and renovations.
See our Rapid Heritage Statements option below for fast-turnaround reports.
+ Why is a Heritage Statement needed?
This requirement comes from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets out the government’s planning policies for England. The NPPF asks applicants to ‘describe the significance of any heritage assets affected’ by their proposals. In addition, National Planning Guidance advises that expert advice is often needed to assess the significance and impact on heritage assets.
+ What a Heritage Statement covers
A Heritage Statement makes the case for your project by showing how it respects and complements the historic building or area. It explains why your proposals work in a heritage context, giving planners clear reasons to approve your plans.
The Heritage Statement must identify the relevant heritage asset and explain why it is significant. This may include describing what contributes to the character of a conservation area or explaining why a building has been given statutory listing.
Every Heritage Statement should include a Statement of Significance, demonstrating an understanding of the site’s architectural, historical, cultural, archaeological, and artistic value, particularly in relation to the parts affected by the proposed development. As part of this process, we consult the relevant Historic Environment Record (HER).
+ When a Heritage Statement is needed
You may require a Heritage Statement as an additional document in the following circumstances:
- Applications for Listed Building Consent
- Householder and planning applications affecting listed buildings (including their setting).
- Planning applications (including demolition) within or affecting conservation areas.
- Applications for works covered by an Article 4 Direction.
- Planning applications for works to buildings/structures which are locally listed.
Please contact us if you are unsure if a Heritage Statement is required, we would be happy to advise.
Rapid Heritage Statement
For householder applications and simple proposals, a Rapid Heritage Statement can be provided within 5 days. To get started, please use the Rapid Heritage Statement Form.
Rapid Heritage Statement Form
Your Heritage Statement
Theatre and Heritage can provide a freestanding Heritage Statement or a section for a Design and Access Statement. It will contain a Statement of Significance. It will also set out detail of the heritage asset and assess the history and character of the building, structure or area. The statement will justify the proposed works in terms of their impact on the heritage asset and will reflect the relative importance of the asset. It will help you obtain consent for your works.
Request a Heritage Statement Quote
The scope and degree of detail necessary in a Heritage Statement will vary according to the particular circumstances of each application.
