Heritage & Conservation Services

Professional Advice for Historic & Sensitive Buildings

Working with historic buildings and heritage assets requires specialist knowledge, careful judgment and a clear understanding of planning and conservation policy.

At James Scott Associates, we provide professional heritage and conservation services to support sensitive, well-considered development while protecting the significance and character of historic buildings and places.

Our advice balances conservation principles with practical use and adaptation, helping clients achieve compliant, deliverable outcomes.

Heritage Services We Provide

We regularly provide advice and technical support for:

• Listed buildings (all grades)
• Properties within Conservation Areas
• Historic and traditional buildings
• Heritage assets affected by development proposals

Our services are suitable for both residential and commercial projects.

Heritage Statements

We prepare clear, well-reasoned Heritage Statements to support planning and listed building applications.

Heritage Statements typically include:

• Assessment of the building or asset’s significance
• Historical development and context
• Description of proposed works
• Evaluation of impact on significance
• Justification of proposals in line with policy

Our reports are proportionate, policy-aware and written to assist both clients and decision-makers.

Listed Building Consent

Alterations to listed buildings often require Listed Building Consent, even where planning permission is not needed.

We provide:

• Advice on whether consent is required
• Design development sensitive to historic fabric
• Drawings and technical details to support applications
• Coordination of Listed Building Consent submissions
• Liaison with conservation officers

Our approach focuses on preserving significance while allowing buildings to remain functional and sustainable.

Conservation Area Advice

For properties within Conservation Areas, we provide guidance on:

• Permitted development limitations
• Design considerations and material selection
• Impact on streetscape and character
• Supporting information for planning applications

Early advice can help avoid refusal and unnecessary redesign.

A Conservation-Led Design Approach

Our architectural and surveying background allows us to design proposals that:

• Respect historic fabric and character
• Minimise harm to significance
• Use appropriate materials and detailing
• Align with conservation best practice

We work closely with planning authorities and conservation officers to support positive outcomes.

Specialist Knowledge & Ongoing Professional Development

Heritage work demands specialist knowledge. In addition to being a Chartered Building Surveyor, Scott Leadbetter, Managing Director of James Scott Associates, is currently finalising an MSc in Building Conservation and Adaptation.

This advanced academic study strengthens our understanding of:

• Conservation philosophy and policy
• Traditional construction methods and materials
• Repair, alteration and adaptive reuse
• Managing change to historic buildings responsibly

This ongoing professional development ensures our heritage advice is informed by current best practice and research.

Integrated Heritage Support

Our heritage services integrate seamlessly with:

• Architectural design
• Planning consultancy
• Building Regulations advice
• Party Wall and neighbourly matters
• Project and cost management

This joined-up approach helps manage heritage projects efficiently and sensitively from feasibility through to construction.

Why Choose James Scott Associates for Heritage Projects?

• Chartered professionals with conservation expertise
• Heritage Statements and Listed Building Consent experience
• Conservation-led design approach
• Understanding of traditional buildings and materials
• Ongoing MSc-level conservation specialism
• Integrated surveying, design and planning services
• Established North West practice

At James Scott Associates, we help clients care for historic buildings while enabling thoughtful, compliant and sustainable change.