Many historic buildings and structures are protected by national or local legislation and understanding what is and is not possible is not always straightforward
Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) have been working with individuals, developers, planners and legislative bodies for over 30 years, enabling development and helping our clients get the best experience from their properties whilst safeguarding the heritage that make these structures so valuable.
CAU offer three key services:
- Pre-planning Heritage Statements or Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA);
- Historic and Industrial Building Recording;
- Historic and Industrial Building Consultancy.
Other services we offer include desk based assessment, measured and topographical survey, Conservation Management Plans, cultural heritage chapters for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and archaeological monitoring (watching briefs) of ground disturbance associated with historic buildings.
Heritage Statement or Heritage Impact Assessment on historic buildings
A Heritage Impact Assessment is a pre-planning document that outlines the historic and/or archaeological significance of a site within its wider setting. It typically provides a written description of the site including an outline of its historic development. It sets out the historic significance of the site, assesses the potential impact of any proposed development on existing structures and/or below-ground deposits and outlines a mitigation strategy.
These documents may be required for planning applications within designated areas such as Conservation Areas, for Listed Building Consent, or for developments near areas of known archaeological significance. These statements can also be requested by the Local Planning Authority to assess potential development impacts on non-designated areas or sites.
The scope of the Statement or Assessment will be dependent on the scope of the application. As a minimum requirement the local Historic Environment Record (HER) should be consulted and the building/s and/or area should be assessed by a heritage expert.
Cornwall Archaeological Unit
Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU) is the new name for the former Historic Environment Projects team of Cornwall Council’s Historic Environment Service.
With over 30 years’ experience providing archaeological services throughout Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and elsewhere in England, Cornwall Archaeological Unit offers a comprehensive range of quality and cost effective archaeological services, delivered by a highly experienced and professional team. It is a fully accredited organisation, working to ISO 9001 standards and is a Registered Organisation with the Institute for Archaeologists.
