The experience of the Practice in handling sites of sensitive building or landscape history in recent years has led to many commissions of an advisory nature where re-use or development cannot sensibly be contemplated without a thorough historical value analysis. Such work includes assessing whether redundant buildings could qualify for listed status, regardless of their age.

Cultural Heritage Value Assessment is an important category of consideration in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements, either in connection with a major planning application or a compulsory purchase procedure. Currently Planning Policy Guidance Notes 15 and 16, (which deal with conservation of the historic environment and archaeology) are being found to be inadequate in giving a wide enough degree of recognition to heritage value. In the redrafting of these PPS’, wider heritage value issues will be reflected such as morphology, and the value of buildings and landforms as standing archaeology.

These projects invariably require the preparation of historical research, coupled with the historical awareness a number of our senior staff have gained over many years work in historic buildings and landscapes. In all such situations, our experience guides the design of new proposals, but is prepared in anticipation of the role of expert witness in planning and other quasi-judicial procedures.