We have a depth of experience in many aspects of historic building recording. Whether it is clambering over medieval sooted roof timbers in a rural farmhouse or exploring a labyrinth of rooms in a stately home, we relish the opportunity of peeling back the history of a building to reveal its past and finding out about the lives of those that were connected with it.
Along with below ground archaeological remains, the care of historic buildings are enshrined in PPS5 (Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment). As such, similar techniques are used for both types of historic assets and these include desk-based assessments, evaluations and surveys. Pre-application work often involves an evaluation which comprises an element of desk-based research to place a building into its historic context followed by a site appraisal that combines a description of the building and photographic notes. The results are combined to produce an illustrated report that characterises the significance of the building in archaeological and historical terms.
Along with the advice of the Historic Environment Service, such reports inform the Local Planning Authority on the merits of the planning application before them. Should development be permitted, mitigation works may be required and, depending on the importance of the building in question, this might involve photographic surveys, scaled drawings, and monitoring and recording of historic features or fabric that are exposed during development works. A watching brief may also be requested on groundworks associated with such works. The results of this phase also require the production of an illustrated report.
Whether it is a World War Two air-raid shelter or a medieval mansion, our clients can be assured that we will approach both with the same enthusiasm and professionalism.