Heritage statement guidance

Information on what you need to include in a heritage statement.

Listed building consent

The heritage statement needs to include:

• A written statement that includes a schedule of works proposed
• An analysis of the significance of archaeology, history and character of the building or structure
• The principles of, and justification for, the proposed works and their impact on the special character of the listed building or structure, its setting and the setting of neighbouring listed buildings

In addition: 

• A structural survey may be required to support an application for listed building consent
• Statements can include supplementary photographs and reports

Conservation area consent applications for demolition

The heritage statement needs to include:

• A structural and condition survey
• An analysis of the architectural and historic character of the building or structure
• Principles of, and justification for, the proposed demolition and its impact on the special character of the area, including the use and viability of the building and evidence that alternative uses or ownership have been fully considered
• The condition of the building, the cost of repairing and maintaining it in relation to its importance and to the value gained from continued use
• The effort made to retain the building in use, including evidence that the building has been offered on the open market at a realistic price
• The architectural and historic merit of the building and the contribution that it makes to the conservation area
• The merits of alternative proposals for the site
• A detailed application for a proposed redevelopment of the site

Applications in or next to a conservation area

The heritage statement needs to include:

• Assessment of the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• Important characteristics of the area, including significant buildings or features, as well as views into or out from the proposed development

Planning applications that will have an impact on the setting of heritage assets

The heritage statement needs to include:

• Plans and photographs showing historic features that may exist on, or next to, the application site, including historic buildings and structures, historic parks and gardens and scheduled ancient monuments
• An analysis of the significance of archaeology, history and character
• Principles of, and justification for, the proposed works and their impact on the special character of the historic building or structure, its setting and the setting of neighbouring historic buildings.

Area of archaeological potential

The heritage statement needs to include:

• An assessment of existing archaeological information.  If you would like advice on this, you can contact our archaeological advisor at Hampshire County Council on 02380 383431.