This service has followed from voluntary work in the recording of historic buildings in East Sussex. Commissions in this field have included work on the Kent Farmsteads Survey, sponsored by English Heritage and Local Authorities in Kent.

 

The practice offers Heritage Statements, Assessments of Significance and Archaeological Interpretative Reports, in support of schemes prepared by other architects and designers and for owner’s own interest.

 

Reports are normally required to accompany listed building applications to enable Planning Authorities and Conservation Officers to assess the impact of proposals on historic buildings.

 

The buildings are inspected in detail in order to analyse the sequence of development. In most cases colour phase plans are prepared showing the ages of the surviving parts of the building. In some cases reconstruction drawings are prepared illustrating the building at different stages in its history.

 

Photographs are used in the report to illustrate the form of the building and significant features mentioned in the text of the report.

 

An online archive search is carried out including Tithe and Ordnance Survey maps in some cases further research is carried out at archive offices.

 

In some cases specialist dating is arranged and the photograph below shows dendrochronologist Dr Martin Bridge sampling an internal timber from a tree felled in 1637.

 

Reports include assessment of the significance of the building and its setting, discussion of the effect of the Client’s proposals on that significance and suggestions as to mitigation.

 

Fees are quoted in advance and are available on enquiry based on the size and age of the property and the level of recording required.