Fast Turnaround RTPI-Chartered Consultants All Applications Covered

Heritage Statements — Preserving the Past. Planning for the Future.

Successfully developing within a historic environment requires a delicate balance between progress and preservation. At Cedar Planning, we provide professional Heritage Statements that support your planning application, ensuring your project respects the significance of the site, while achieving your development goals.

125
LPA Experience
National
Coverage
RTPI
Chartered Town Planners
Fixed
Fee — No Hidden Costs
What is involved

What is a Heritage Statement?

A Heritage Statement is a technical document required by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) when a proposed development affects a "heritage asset" — whether that is a listed building, a Conservation Area, a locally listed building, or a site of archaeological importance.

The document must be prepared by a suitably qualified professional and submitted alongside your planning application or application for Listed Building Consent.

NPPF requirement: The National Planning Policy Framework requires applicants to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting, to assess the potential impact of the proposal.
The purpose of the document
01 — Assess

Assess Significance

Describe the significance of the heritage asset, including its architectural, historical, and archaeological interest — drawing on documentary research, map regression and site analysis.

02 — Evaluate

Evaluate Impact

Objectively assess the impact of the proposed works on that significance, justifying any potential harm through public benefit or design mitigation in line with NPPF paragraphs 205–214.

03 — Conclude

Justify & Conclude

Provide a clear, evidence-based conclusion that gives the LPA confidence the proposal has been assessed against the correct policy tests and any harm is outweighed by public benefit.

Do you need one?

When is a Heritage Statement Required?

You will likely need a Heritage Statement if your project involves any of the following. If you are unsure, contact us and we will advise you for free.

A Listed Building

Any alteration, extension, or demolition involving a Grade I, II*, or II listed structure requires Listed Building Consent and a supporting Heritage Statement.

A Conservation Area

New builds, demolition, or significant alterations within designated Conservation Areas require an assessment of impact on the area's character and appearance.

A Locally Listed Building

Non-designated heritage assets identified by the local council. Many LPAs require a Heritage Statement even though these buildings are not nationally listed.

Near a Heritage Asset

Development that affects the setting of a nearby listed building or scheduled ancient monument, even if the heritage asset is not on your land.

An Archaeological Site

Areas of known or suspected archaeological potential — particularly relevant in historic town centres, rural areas, and near scheduled monuments.

Historic church tower within a heritage setting
125+
Local Planning Authorities
worked across England
Why Cedar Planning

The right team for heritage work

We understand the nuances of the NPPF and local conservation policies. We prepare high-quality Heritage Statements that are clear, policy-led and professionally presented for Local Planning Authorities across England.

RTPI Chartered

All Heritage Statements are prepared by or under the supervision of a Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI), ensuring a professional and policy-led approach.

Standalone or Packaged

We can provide Heritage Statements as standalone documents or integrate them into wider planning application packages and supporting statements.

Fixed, Transparent Fees

Every project is quoted on a fixed-fee basis upfront, providing clarity and certainty before any work begins.

Fast Turnaround

Most Heritage Statements are completed within approximately two weeks of instruction, subject to project complexity and survey requirements.

Nationwide Coverage

We work with Local Planning Authorities throughout England and understand the differing approaches to heritage and conservation policy across regions.

Honest Prospects

We provide realistic and straightforward advice from the outset, including where heritage constraints may significantly limit development potential.

View Our Wider Planning Consultancy Services

Recent Heritage Successes

Heritage case studies that show the strategy behind the outcome

Explore examples of how Cedar Planning has helped clients successfully navigate the heritage planning process and secure consent.

Planning Approved

Approved

Replacement dwelling approved within a Conservation Area.

Project Type

Demolition & Replacement Dwelling

Location

Harrow, London

Replacement dwelling approved in Harrow Conservation Area

Our client, a regular architectural practice partner, needed a Heritage Statement to support plans to demolish an existing dwelling and construct a replacement within a designated Conservation Area. Through detailed research we demonstrated that the site held little to no historic value, and that the proposal would cause no harm to the significance of nearby heritage assets.

Heritage significance of site carefully assessed
No harm to Conservation Area character demonstrated
Planning permission granted
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Planning Approved

Approved

Side extension approved in Conservation Area with listed buildings nearby.

Project Type

Single Storey Side Extension

Location

Alrewas, Lichfield

Single storey extension approved near listed buildings in Lichfield

The site was located within a Conservation Area with several listed buildings in close proximity. Through thorough historical research, we established that the host property was a modern addition to the area — as were a number of neighbouring dwellings. The Heritage Statement demonstrated that the modest extension respected the character of the host dwelling and did not cause harm to the Conservation Area.

Historical context of site thoroughly researched
Impact on nearby listed buildings assessed
Planning permission secured
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Planning Approved

Consent
Granted

Rear extension to Locally Listed building approved.

Project Type

Single Storey Rear Extension

Key Issue

Heritage significance & harm assessment

Rear Extension to Locally Listed Building

Our regular client required a Heritage Statement to support an application for a rear extension to a Locally Listed Building. The lack of a statement was holding up the application at the validation stage, and we worked quickly and accurately to provide a robust Heritage Statement.

Full significance assessment of locally listed building prepared
Proposed works demonstrated to preserve special interest
Householder Planning Permission granted by LPA
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Common Questions

Heritage Statement FAQs

Answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners, architects, and developers.

Our Heritage Statements are priced on a fixed-fee basis depending on the complexity of the heritage asset and the scope of the works. We provide a clear, competitive fee quote promptly after reviewing your site address and project details — with no obligation. Contact us today for a fast quote.
Most Heritage Statements are delivered within two weeks of instruction and receipt of all necessary information. For particularly complex listed buildings or sensitive Conservation Areas, timescales may be slightly longer — we will always confirm the expected delivery date when we quote.
Yes, in almost all cases. Any works requiring Listed Building Consent — including extensions, alterations, and internal changes — will require a Heritage Statement (sometimes referred to as a Heritage Impact Assessment). The LPA needs to understand the significance of the building and whether the proposed works will harm that significance.

Contact Us

Ensure your Listed Building Consent or Planning Application has the best chance of success. We work with homeowners, architects, and developers across England to unlock the potential of historic buildings.

Send us your site address and project details today for a fast, competitive fee proposal.

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