Empowering Change

It can sometimes feel like the planning system views new developments and the historic environment as adversaries - but in fact, developments can have many positive impacts on heritage assets and vice versa! Here at GHC, we are firmly pro-development and are fortunate to work with many fantastic clients on not only securing planning permission on heritage grounds but also helping to explore the beneficial aspects of new developments in heritage contexts.

What is Setting?

Frequently, development will not have a direct impact on heritage assets but instead will have an impact on their heritage setting (the environment in which a heritage asset is experienced). Almost the entire country is within the wider setting of a heritage asset and as such, there would be no new development at all if it was prohibited to build within this.

A Positive Experience

The planning framework seeks to ensure that new developments do not harm heritage assets, and where possible, positively impacts them. This can be as simple as improving the setting of a heritage asset through appropriate landscaping, removing unsympathetic/derelict structures, opening up or preserving views that help convey the importance of a heritage site or even just ensuring that heritage asset remains the most prominent feature in the landscape.

Giving Purpose to Historic Buildings

Many historic buildings fall into disrepair due to them no longer having a purpose in today's society. Developments can breathe new life into these structures by restoring their usefulness and allowing them to adapt to modern living.

Revealing the Hidden Past

A huge majority of archaeological findings in England are through developer-led archaeological investigations. These allow the hidden stories within our historic environment to come to light and allow us to better understand past societies. This wouldn't be possible without new development being approved.

Supporting Communities

There are numerous positive impacts new developments can have on the historic environment - but what about the other way around? Studies in recent years have shown that living close to heritage sites can not only improve mental and physical wellbeing, but can also help to build increased community spirit and aid with place-making. Engaging with the historic environment can also be a cost-efficient way to increase local support and the social value of your development.