Listed & Heritage Building

Heritage Building Consultants in Eastbourne, Brighton and across Sussex

As specialist heritage building consultants, we know that owning a listed building or premises within a Conservation Area in East Sussex is both a joy and a responsibility.

Owners face unique challenges and opportunities with these historic properties.

Our role as heritage building consultants is to help you navigate the complexities of maintaining, altering or developing your listed property while preserving its historical and architectural significance.

How does a listed property impact making changes and development?

In simple terms, the listing of a property protects the whole of a property inside and out.

It is a common misunderstanding that the special interest of a listed building lies only in its features, such as fireplaces and plasterwork.

However, the historical importance may lie in its general form and layout. The original use and social history may be as significant in this regard as any eye-catching “period feature”.

The curtilage of your building is important in terms of the building’s listing, and can be determined by physical layout, past and present ownership, and current and previous uses of the land and buildings.

A domestic garden is usually going to be easily identified as curtilage. Buildings in farm, commercial or institutional use can sometimes be more difficult to determine.

When should you speak to a heritage building consultant?

If you are considering any changes to your listed property or a property within a Conservation Area, it is essential to obtain the appropriate Consent before works commence.

This applies to everything from minor alterations to major renovations that could affect the building’s character. Failing to secure the proper approvals can result in serious legal consequences, including fines or enforced restoration of unauthorised work. It will also likely impact on any subsequent application.

As experienced heritage building consultants, we are here to ensure that your project is handled with care and expertise.

From determining the curtilage to guiding you through the consent process, we provide the support you need to protect your investment while respecting the heritage of your property.

If you are unsure about any aspect of listed building ownership or development as specialist heritage building consultants we would be pleased to assist.

Why Choose Our Heritage Building Consultants?

Related Case Studies

Regularisation of unauthorised internal alterations on Brighton’s historic seafront

Redevelopment and refurbishment in the heart of Lewes

Curtilage Listing of a barn in central Eastbourne

Meet Our Heritage Building Consultant

If you would like help from our heritage building consultant, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in addition to being heritage building consultants. Read more about us.

Planning, Development & Heritage Property

Cath specialises in pre-app consultations, appraisal, architectural services, planning and heritage consultancy. Based in Brighton, Cath is perfectly placed to help clients throughout Sussex.