HERITAGE SURVEYS
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
A range of respectful, concise services dedicated to our country’s most historical and culturally important buildings. From Architectural Design, Listed Building Consent, Heritage Statements, Building and Defect Surveys. Enlist AMS SURVEYS in your team of experts, and our specialists will offer the information you need to make an informed decision for your heritage building in Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and beyond.
THE CHOSEN SPECIALIST SURVEYORS
OUR EXPERT HERITAGE SURVEYS
A heritage survey is a systematic process of identifying, documenting, and assessing the historical, cultural, architectural, and archaeological significance of places, structures, objects, or landscapes. Heritage building surveys come in varying shapes and sizes, just like the buildings that we inspect. For your ease, we’ve split these into three main categories:
LISTED BUILDING CONSENT AND PLANNING PERMISSION
We utilise our in-house team’s expertise in the latest building regulations and planning matters to help you overcome building restrictions and remain compliant.
HISTORIC BUILDING SURVEYS
We offer detailed reporting of the property’s condition, whether you’re buying a historic house, conducting a restoration or require advice for repairs and maintenance.
DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
As specialists in restoration and adaptation, AMS SURVEYS will enhance your project every step of the way, the ideal support when managing building work in historic homes, schools, and other monumental buildings.
Our practice is based in Liverpool, which we think is iconic given that Liverpool has the most listed buildings outside of London. This gives us a wealth of experience, drawing on our heritage as expert custodians of building conservation to offer our clients the well-informed reporting they require.
WHAT IS A HERITAGE SURVEY?
Research and background study: Gathering historical documents, maps, photographs, and other relevant information to understand the area's history and potential heritage resources.
Field Survey: Visiting the study area to physically inspect and document the heritage resources. This may involve taking photographs, making sketches, and recording detailed descriptions.
Documentation: Compiling detailed reports and records about the identified heritage resources. This includes historical information, architectural details, significance assessments, and recommendations for preservation or conservation.
Assessment of Significance: Evaluating the historical, cultural, architectural, and archaeological significance of each resource. This often involves applying established criteria or guidelines.
Recommendations: Based on the assessment, the survey report may include recommendations for preservation, restoration, adaptive reuse, or other measures to protect and manage the heritage resources.
WHY WE CONDUCT HERITAGE SURVEYS
TO PRESERVE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Heritage surveys aim to identify and protect elements of a community's cultural and historical heritage. This includes historic buildings, landmarks, archaeological sites, artifacts, and natural landscapes with cultural significance.
TO INFORM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Local governments, preservation organisations, and planners often use heritage surveys to inform land-use planning and development decisions. By identifying and documenting significant heritage resources, they can make informed choices about how to accommodate new development while preserving the past. Typically these are Heritage Statements or Statements of Significance.
TO SUPPORT HERITAGE CONSERVATION
Heritage surveys play a crucial role in heritage conservation efforts. They provide the data needed to prioritise and target resources for the preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of historically and culturally important sites and structures. Quite often a legal requirement for certain types of development or alterations to heritage sites. This ensures that developers and property owners consider the impact of their actions on heritage resources. The Local Planning Authority may approve planning permission with a Condition to complete a Historic Building Record, depending on the significance of the site this will vary from Level 1 - 4, 4 being the most in depth, a Level 2 is the most common.
TO RAISE AWARENESS AND EDUCATE
Heritage surveys often contribute to public awareness and education about a community's history and cultural identity. By documenting and sharing information about heritage resources, communities can celebrate their heritage and promote a sense of identity and pride. This can be in the form of local listing and conservation areas. This is part of the methodology for the Local Planning Authority outlined with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
LISTED BUILDING CONSULTANCY
If your house or commercial property is a Grade 2 Listed Building, it’s essential that you understand what you can and cannot do. In general, you won’t need permission for general like-for-like repairs and maintenance. However, if you’re not sure or are planning more extensive work, such as an alteration, it is best to get the help of a specialist.
AMS Surveys can act as your property consultants, offering our knowledge of Grade 1, 2 and 2* Listed Buildings, Non-designated Heritage Assets, buildings in conservation areas or local listings, to advise on the restrictions and help you utilise the existing space without breaching any regulations. By doing so, we hope to make home life and work within the heritage buildings a pleasure.
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