Archaeological Building Assessments are often a requirement of planning, although they can be undertaken at a pre-planning stage if required by the client. We undertake Building Assessments in response to refurbishment and restoration for re-development projects and planning related work. We address all building types including townhouses, period dwellings, vernacular buildings and industrial structures.

What does the assessment involve?

The building assessment involves the recording of a building by means of a written and photographic description and may include a measured survey. Features of architectural and historical importance are detailed within the final report, including a good photographic record, cartographic analysis and thorough documentary research.

Why is an historic building assessment necessary?

During the planning process, the local authority will check if any of the existing buildings within or adjacent to a proposed development site are listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP). A building which is the subject of a planning proposal may be listed in the RMP, or located adjacent to such a building or it may be located within an historic town which is listed in the RMP. If any of these scenarios are the case, a number of conditions may be attached to the planning application, which may include an historic building assessment.  This is carried out in order to assess the architectural value and historical nature of the structure and address the impacts, if any, the proposed development may have upon the structure.

When a planning application for an historic building or a building within an historic town is submitted, the planner will forward a copy to the Department of the Environment and Local Government (DEHLG). The DEHLG will review the application and if necessary, may indicate to the Local Authority that an historic building assessment is required in order to assess the historical nature and value of such a building and assess the impact the proposed development may have upon it. The historic building assessment is normally sought by the Local Authority as a Further Information Request. The results of the historic building assessment should be used by the authorities to define mitigation measures in order to ameliorate or reduce the impact a proposed development may have upon a building listed as or adjacent to a recorded monument or that within an historic town.