Local information requirements: Heritage assessment

Types of application that require this information

Any development which alters, or affects the setting of, a heritage asset including:

• Applications that involve alterations to a listed building
• Applications that would affect the setting of a listed building
• Applications within or affecting the setting of a conservation area
• Applications that involve alterations to a locally listed heritage asset
• Applications that would affect the setting of a locally listed heritage asset
• Applications within or affecting the setting of a historic park or garden
• Applications in areas of archaeological interest, or ones that may be adjacent to and could affect them (archaeological assessment)

Details of what should be included

• A statement describing the significance for both designated heritage assets and those identified as having local significance that may be affected by the proposal
• An explanation of the impact of the proposal on the identified significance of the heritage asset together with any justification or proposed mitigation
• Any relevant plans, computer generated images, photographs etc required to demonstrate the impact of the proposed development upon the setting of the designated heritage asset(s)
• Structural plans and supporting structural reports where full or partial demolition of a designated heritage asset is proposed on the grounds that it is structurally unsound
• A method statement for the proposed works, if known,

In addition, the following should be included:

Listed buildings

The statement should describe in simple terms the purpose and need for the proposed alterations, justifying why the proposed option has been adopted as opposed to possible alternatives.

They should include a statement of significance, which demonstrates an understanding of the historical, archaeological and architectural interest of the site and the listed building.

It should include details of the design principles and concepts that have been applied to the works including consideration of the impact, scale, layout, appearance, character and any potential new use.

It should demonstrate how the proposals are designed to minimise the impacts on the layout and architectural features and complements the external features of the original building. This may, where appropriate, include the use of photographs.

Where consent is sought for a number of works a detailed schedule of works should be submitted with the application.

The scope and degree of detail necessary in the written justification will vary according to the particular circumstances of each application.  Applicants are advised to discuss proposals with the planning department before any application is made.

Applications affecting the setting of a listed building or a conservation area

Applications which may affect the setting of a listed building or a conservation area are required to submit details of the design principles and concepts that have been applied including consideration of the impact, scale, layout, appearance, character and any potential new use.

They should include a statement of significance, which demonstrates an understanding of the historical, archaeological and architectural interest of the affected buildings or conservation area.

It should demonstrate how the proposals preserve and enhance the character of the listed building or conservation area.

Applications within or affecting the setting of a historic park or garden

Applications within historic parks or gardens or those that may affect the setting of one should be accompanied by details of the design principles and concepts that have been applied including consideration of the impact, scale, layout, appearance and character.

They should include a statement of significance, which demonstrates an understanding of the historical, archaeological and architectural interest of the park or garden.

Applications in areas of archaeological interest

A heritage statement will be required in respect of the proposals involving the disturbance of ground within an area of archaeological interest/potential, as defined in Salford’s Historic Environment Record (please contact the Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service for further details), or in other areas which are the subject of major development proposals or significant infrastructure works, where archaeological remains may survive, as may be specified in pre-application advice.

If an application affects such a site an applicant may need to commission a written scheme of investigation or even investigative works prior to submission and submit the results as part of the application.

A separate archaeological assessment may be required in special circumstances. In such cases the applicant will need to provide appropriately detailed information to enable the city council to make a proper assessment including:

• A full and proper understanding of the nature, relative importance and physical extent of the archaeological interest in these sites through desk-based assessment, field evaluation, basic appraisal or recording of the asset, as required.
• Consideration of proposed uses that will have no/minimal impacts on the conservation of the asset’s significance.
• Details of how the scheme seeks to eradicate or minimise impact through design (for example foundations that span sensitive areas rather than penetrate them).

For further information on Salford’s heritage assets or to check the heritage status of a site or building please refer to the heritage pages of the council’s website which also includes an interactive heritage map.