Heritage Statements: Built Heritage Assessment

Built Heritage Assessment

A built heritage assessment determines – as far as reasonably possible – the nature, extent and significance of buildings, structures and historic landscapes on a development site or affected by development in their setting (the ‘significance statement’).  It goes on to consider the impact of proposed development on that significance (the ‘impact assessment’).  It is important to make sure the significance statement remains objective and separate to the impact assessment.

Documentary research, on-site analysis and comparison with similar buildings/landscapes should be undertaken in order to determine the significance of the heritage assets. 

In most cases, a built heritage assessment will need to be undertaken by a suitably qualified built heritage specialist, in line with:  

In certain circumstances in depth analysis of the on-site fabric will be needed and should be undertaken in line with Sussex Archaeological Standards: Annex F, CIfA Standard and Guidance: Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings or Structures, and Historic England's Understanding Historic Buildings: Good Recording Practice (above).  Where evidence which may reveal information about the significance of a building is deeply concealed within a building’s fabric, some more intrusive investigation may sometimes be necessary.  Please be aware that such investigation may in itself require listed building consent and should only be undertaken in consultation with the council’s Heritage Team.

Registers of appropriately qualified specialists are held by the IHBC and CIfA.

Where the application affects a historic park and garden, the assessment should be undertaken by a heritage specialist with suitable knowledge historic landscapes.  

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