Heritage Statement - Local Validation List directory

National requirement.

The National Planning Policy Framework and Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Mandatory if the works are within a Conservation Area or the property is a Listed or Locally Listed Building or affects any heritage asset or their setting (A heritage asset also includes scheduled monuments).

The level of details should be proportionate to the importance of the heritage asset, scale of development and be sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on the significance of the heritage asset.

A Heritage Statement should be prepared by an appropriate expert where necessary and among other matters should:

• include a description of the significance of the heritage asset, with reference to the relevant historic record, including any contribution made by their setting
• explain on the impact of the proposed works on the significance of the asset
• explain how the proposed development protects/enhances the heritage asset
• demonstrate how the proposed development responds to the scale, proportions, height, massing, historic building lines, the pattern of historic development, use, design, detailing and materials of the heritage asset.

For works to a listed building, a description on how the proposal retains the integrity and significance of the building as a whole, the location and hierarchy of rooms, historic floor levels, the structure of the building including foundations, fabric as well as features such as original staircases, original roof structures and other features identified as being of significance.

• An explanation of how the proposal seeks good/exceptional design that integrates with and makes a positive contribution to the heritage asset.
• Where any harm is caused, provide full justification, setting out the degree of harm caused, whether substantial or less than substantial, alternatives which have been considered to avoid harm and any public benefits including heritage benefits.

The Heritage Statement can be included in the Design and Access Statement, where provided.

Government guidance on conserving and enhancing the historic environment.