Heritage research to support planning, conservation and development.

Historic buildings and places require careful consideration when changes are proposed.

Ictis Heritage Research provides independent heritage research and consultancy to help property owners, developers and other professionals understand the historic significance of buildings, sites and places and prepare appropriate information for planning and conservation purposes.

Our work is evidence-led, proportionate to the project and tailored to the requirements of the relevant planning and heritage context.

Heritage Services

Heritage Statements

A Heritage Statement explains the significance of a heritage asset and considers the potential impact of proposed works.

Ictis can research and prepare Heritage Statements for projects involving historic buildings, conservation areas and other heritage assets, drawing together documentary, architectural and contextual evidence.

A Heritage Statement may include:

Historical background
Documentary and archival research
Historic map analysis
Description of the heritage asset
Assessment of significance
Identification of heritage values
Assessment of the proposed works
Consideration of potential impacts
Appropriate mitigation or recommendations
Supporting photographs, maps and illustrations

Historic Building Recording

Historic Building Recording provides a structured record of a building before, during or following alteration, conversion or demolition.

Depending on the requirements of the project, recording can document:

The building’s form and layout
Architectural features
Construction and materials
Historic alterations
Different phases of development
Surviving historic fabric
Photographic evidence
Relevant historical and documentary information

The scope and level of recording can be tailored to the requirements of the project.

Heritage Assessments

A heritage assessment can provide a focused understanding of the significance and history of a building, site or landscape.

This may be useful where a project requires a clearer understanding of:

Historic development
Architectural character
Historic associations
Archaeological potential
Landscape significance
Contribution to a conservation area
The significance of individual features

The resulting assessment can help inform design, conservation and planning decisions.

Heritage Impact Assessments

Where proposed works may affect a heritage asset, an assessment can consider the relationship between the asset’s significance and the proposed changes.

This can examine:

What is significant about the heritage asset
Which elements may be affected
The nature and extent of the proposed changes
Potential impacts on significance
Opportunities to avoid or reduce harm
Appropriate mitigation and enhancement

When Might You Need Heritage Advice?

Ictis can assist with projects such as:

Alterations to historic houses
Extensions to historic buildings
Conversion of historic buildings
Changes to historic interiors
Development within conservation areas
Works affecting listed buildings
Changes to historic farm buildings
Alterations to historic gardens or landscapes
Development affecting the setting of heritage assets
Planning applications requiring supporting heritage information
Early-stage advice before submitting a planning application

If you’re unsure what heritage information your project requires, an initial discussion can help establish the appropriate scope of work.

What Can You Receive?

Depending on the project, deliverables may include:

Heritage Statements
Historic Building Recording reports
Heritage Assessments
Heritage Impact Assessments
Statements of Significance
Historic background research
Historic map analysis
Photographic records
Annotated plans or photographs
Research summaries
Recommendations for further investigation or mitigation

The exact scope and format will be agreed before work begins.

A Proportionate Approach

Not every project requires the same level of research.

Ictis aims to provide heritage information that is proportionate to the significance of the asset and the scale of the proposed works.

For a straightforward project, this may mean a focused historical assessment. More complex or sensitive projects may require detailed documentary research, site investigation and a comprehensive report.

Where a project falls outside Ictis’s scope of expertise or requires specialist archaeological, architectural, structural or other professional input, appropriate specialist advice may be recommended.

Need Heritage Advice?

If you are planning works to a historic building or site and are unsure what heritage information you need, get in touch to discuss your project.

An initial conversation can help establish what is required and whether Ictis is able to assist.

Get in Touch