AB Heritage
Based in Not stated · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: CIfAOwn websiteUK-wide
01 · Planning stage · Planning
Heritage statement
If your project affects a listed building, a conservation area, or a site near one, your council will usually need a heritage statement showing you understand the building’s or area’s significance and that your proposals won’t cause unjustified harm to it.
DWGuide by Dan Wallis · Updated 4 October 2026
This guide covers the rules in England. See Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Who needs oneAnyone altering a listed building, or working in or near a conservation area
Who can do itA heritage consultant, often an accredited building conservation professional
WhenBefore you submit, alongside listed building consent if needed
15 heritage consultants listed across the UK
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Find heritage consultants by region
National providers (14)
Blue Willow Heritage
Based in Harrogate & York · Covers UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Built Heritage Consultancy
Based in London · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Cotswold Archaeology
Based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Donald Insall Associates
Based in London · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Fuller Long
Based in London · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: IHBCOwn websiteUK-wide
HCUK Group
Based in Not stated · Covers UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Heritage Fusion
Based in Farnborough, Surrey · Covers South East and UK Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Heritage Unlimited
Based in Not stated · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Keystone Heritage Consultancy
Based in Not stated · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Lichfields
Based in London · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Orion Heritage
Based in Brighton, East Sussex · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Purcell
Based in London · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Wessex Archaeology
Based in Salisbury, Wiltshire · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
What it covers
- The history and significance of the building or area, and what makes it special
- How the proposals affect that significance, including views, materials and setting
- Why any harm is justified by the public benefit of the scheme, where relevant
- Often paired with a separate listed building consent application for internal or external changes
Listed building consent
Altering a listed building, inside or out, usually needs listed building consent as well as planning permission, and doing work without it is a criminal offence. Your heritage consultant can advise on what level of detail and consent you need before you start.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
This guide describes the rules in England. Building regulations are devolved, so here is how heritage statement works in the rest of the UK.
Wales
Listed buildings and conservation areas are managed by Cadw and local councils, with a similar consent and heritage statement process.
Scotland
Listed buildings (Category A, B or C) and conservation areas are managed by Historic Environment Scotland and local councils, with listed building consent working much the same way.
Northern Ireland
Listed buildings and conservation areas are managed by the Historic Environment Division and local councils, with a similar listed building consent process.
Common questions
Do I need one for a conservation area?
Often yes, especially for anything visible from the street or affecting the character of the area, even where full planning permission isn’t otherwise needed.
What’s the difference from listed building consent?
The heritage statement is a supporting document explaining significance and impact; listed building consent is the separate permission needed for works to a listed building itself.
Can I do unauthorised work to a listed building?
No. Carrying out work to a listed building without the required consent is a criminal offence, and councils can require it to be put right.
How is "harm" judged?
Against the significance of the building or area and the public benefit of the proposal; your heritage consultant will set out the balance in the statement.
New to the jargon? See our glossary of terms, from air permeability to TrustMark.