Heritage Guides
Practical guidance on listed houses, heritage statements, consent, costs and common historic-building issues. These guides are written mainly for owners, but are also useful to architects and other advisers dealing with live projects.
Preserving value in your listed house – why consents are vital
Many owners assume listed building consent is only needed for “big” changes. This guide explains how the legal character test actually works, and what that means for common alterations inside and outside a listed house.
What Is a Heritage Statement — and When Do You Need One?
A heritage statement explains what is important about a listed building or other heritage asset, how proposed works might affect that significance, and how the design has responded. It is usually required where works could change the character of a listed building or a building in a conservation area, and councils expect it to be proportionate, evidence-based and rooted in relevant policy and Historic England guidance rather than a generic description.
Do I need listed building consent to change my windows or add double glazing?
Owners often ask whether they can change windows or add double glazing to a listed house. This guide explains how councils look at windows, what usually needs consent, and how to approach options sensibly.
How much does a heritage statement cost in 2026?
There is no fixed tariff for a heritage statement. This guide explains what actually drives the cost, how proportionality and significance interact in practice, and what you are paying for beyond a PDF report.
Can I install solar panels on a listed building?
Solar panels on a listed house are not always off-limits, but the details matter. This guide explains when consent is likely to be needed, what “affecting character” means, and how to think about location and impact.
How to make the most of expensive pre‑app discussions with your local authority
Pre‑application meetings can be expensive and time‑consuming. This guide looks at when pre‑app is genuinely useful for listed buildings, when it is not, and how to prepare so you get value from it.