Heritage
Heritage Building Surveyors
Heritage and Conservation Consultancy. Reimagined.
We specialise in surveying and conserving heritage properties, combining traditional expertise with modern innovation. Our RICS-accredited surveyors are dedicated to protecting the historical significance of buildings while ensuring they meet contemporary standards.
Heritage Building Services From Fourth Wall
We offer a comprehensive suite of heritage services from planning permission to heritage statements, listed building surveys, and everything in between. Each heritage building is unique, which is why we’ll tailor our services based on exactly what you need.
We have a wealth of experience in surveying buildings of specialist heritage. There is nothing too big or too small for our team! We’ve worked on impressive heritage sites including Buckingham Palace, Eton College, Royal Albert Dock, Endeavour Centre, St Anns House, as well as private residential including Thrum Hall and Stoneleigh.
Too often, heritage is seen as a hurdle to overcome rather than a strength to build on. At Fourth Wall Heritage, we approach every project with the belief that a site’s past can and should drive better design, more thoughtful development, and ultimately greater long-term value. Drawing on my experience managing heritage assets across the Buckingham Palace Estate and Eton Estates portfolio, I’ve seen first-hand how the right advice at the right time can transform outcomes: not just for planning success, but for legacy.
Liam Piercy BSc (Hons) MRICS, Heritage Lead – Fourth Wall
Our Heritage Consultancy Services
Our services cover the entire life cycle of a property for clients who own, occupy, develop or fund real estate. We go above and beyond with each project we undertake, so that you can benefit from traditional surveying practice in combination with our market leading knowledge and technology. Explore our heritage property services below to find it more.
Choosing the right heritage building surveyor can mean the difference between confident decisions and costly surprises. At Fourth Wall Building Consultancy, we go beyond the checklist to offer genuine insight, proactive advice, and a partnership built on trust.
- Listed Building Surveys
- Heritage Impact Statements
- Conservation Management Plans
- Listed Building Consent Applications and Discharge of Conditions
- Quinquennial Surveys
- Heritage focused Specification and Contract Administration
Conducting a range of professional heritage building surveying services throughout the UK, our experienced surveyors work in Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Birmingham, London and surrounding areas. Here’s what makes us different:
Detailed and Pragmatic.
Conservation Management Plans.
If you’re having maintenance, construction, repairs, or restoration works done on your specialist heritage property, then you’ll need a conservation management plan. A conservation management plan (also called a CMP) is a tool that helps to protect the building whilst undergoing changes. It’s a working document, so we’ll be on hand to update and change the contents as required.
Heritage
Statement of Significance.
What is a Statement of Significance? A Statement of Significance is an objective analysis of a site or building’s significance, comprising a description of those features which contribute most in terms of their archaeological, historical, artistic, and architectural interest, as well as those features which are considered to detract from its overall character and appearance. We’ll work with you to create a comprehensive document outlining details of the asset, its features, the significance of the building from a historical aspect, as well as where the asset is located. Included in the document will also be the outlined steps to help mitigate any negative impact on the building at hand.
Listed Building Development
Feasibility Assessment.
Our comprehensive feasibility studies can help you in the process of planning construction on an existing or completely new building. When you work with us, not only will you receive guidance on the architecture of your building, but you’ll also get advice on sustainability, possible constraints, budgets, as well as detailed sketches. We have a background in heritage conservation, so you can trust our advice on the risks and rewards involved with each project; keeping you from wasting time and money.
Heritage and Conservation Focused
Architectural Services.
Utilise the skills and expertise of our property team to create a space you’ll love. We’ll collaborate with you from start to finish to help bring your vision to life, whilst protecting and respecting the history of your property. Every project and every client is different, so we’ll design a space to suit you and meet your needs, budgets and goals.
Listed Building Consent
Applications.
If you’re planning to make any changes to your listed building that may impact the architecture, look, or character of the building, you must first get consent from your local authority. Work with our listed building experts to guide you through the every step of the process. We’ll ensure that your plans are well presented in the context of conservation methodology and any changes are appropriately justified, this can help minimise what is usually a long and drawn-out process, so you can get work underway as quickly as possible.
Robust and detailed.
Heritage Impact Assessments.
A heritage impact assessment (HIAs) is required when you alter or extend a building of historic interest or if you are developing a property near a historic building or conservation area, and they usually form part of a listed building consent application. What is a Heritage Impact Assessment? We’ll outline the proposed building works, as well as how that might impact the existing building or the landscape that surrounds it; all detailed in a comprehensive report.
What Type of Heritage Survey Do You Need?
Here’s a brief overview of typical heritage survey types and where, when and who they may be applicable:
| Survey Type | When It’s Needed | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Listed Building Survey | – Purchasing a listed property- Planning maintenance or restoration | – Private owners- Investors- Estate agents |
| Heritage Impact Assessment | – Proposing alterations or development- Submitting planning applications | – Developers- Architects- Planning consultants |
| Conservation Management Plan | – Long-term preservation planning- Grant or funding applications | – Charitable trusts- Local authorities- Heritage property owners |
| Listed Building Consent Support | – Making changes that affect character or structure- Compliance with legislation | – Property owners- Developers- Architects |
| Quinquennial Survey | – Routine inspections (every 5 years)- Church or trust-owned buildings | – Churches- Trusts & charities- Institutional property managers |
| Condition Survey | – Identifying urgent repairs- Planning renovations | – Landlords- Property managers- Maintenance teams |
| Measured Building Survey | – Creating accurate floor plans- Planning refurbishments or extensions | – Architects- Engineers- Surveying firms |
| Historic Fabric Assessment | – Assessing original materials or features- Specialist restoration work | – Conservation architects- Heritage builders- Museums & cultural bodies |
Expert Support for Heritage Planning and Development
At Fourth Wall Heritage, we don’t just help you tick compliance boxes. We help you move forward. Our role as specialist heritage consultants is to streamline and support your entire project, from the initial concept on the architect’s drawing board to breaking ground on site. We turn a building’s heritage from a perceived constraint into a valuable asset, helping you unlock planning potential while safeguarding its historic significance for future generations.
Every successful heritage-led project requires two things: deep technical expertise and the ability to meet the priorities of multiple stakeholders. At Fourth Wall Heritage, we bring both. Our approach bridges the gap between heritage planning regulations and real-world development ambitions, whether you’re a homeowner, architect, developer, or planning consultant.
Heritage Consultancy That Moves Projects Forward
With a strong track record supporting clients through complex planning challenges, our team delivers specialist advice that can reduce delays, save costs, and increase project success rates. Whether you’re seeking listed building consent, preparing planning documentation, or engaging with local authorities, we’re here to support every stage of your development.
Heritage-Led Development
A successful development balances the needs of the future with the value of the past. At Fourth Wall Heritage, we believe that well-informed heritage-led development not only protects a site’s significance but also enhances its commercial, architectural, and cultural value.
By weaving heritage into the design and planning process from the outset, we help you deliver outcomes that are:
- More cost-efficient
- Better aligned with planning policy
- Architecturally richer
- More sustainable and resilient
- Valuable to communities now and in years to come
Whether you’re reimagining a disused listed building or restoring a cherished family home, we’ll work alongside you to help your project take shape: sensitively, sustainably, and successfully.
We avoid heavy jargon and unclear advice to make things easy for our clients, which is why we won the RICS Young Building Surveyor of the Year 2022. We’re real people who work with your best interests at heart.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with our heritage building surveyors today and receive a free 30-minute consultation and no-obligation quote. Complete the contact form below, or contact us via phone or email.
Specialist Heritage FAQs
Browse some of the most frequently asked questions and our expert’s answers below. If you have a question that isn’t listed below, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can Anyone Work On a Listed Building?
As long as you have planning permission, and any other permissions that you might need, anyone can work on a listed building. However, because historical buildings require much more care and attention, we’d recommend only using experienced and qualified professionals from the get-go, including using RICS Chartered Surveyors like those at Fourth Wall.
What is a Heritage Survey?
Heritage surveys sometimes referred to as listed building surveys, are surveys for buildings with a particular historical interest or of importance. These buildings have certain protections and limitations in place which a survey has to be tailored towards.
I Don’t Know What I Need – Where Should I Start?
If you own or manage a heritage building and you aren’t sure which of our services you might need, start by getting in touch with our team. We’re a friendly but passionate bunch who’ll go above and beyond to help you. We can offer you a free consultation where we’ll offer tailored service recommendations and even provide you with a quote should you need it. Start your journey by getting in touch.
How Do I Get Listed Building Consent?
To obtain listed building consent you will briefly need to do the following:
- Contact the local planning authority.
- Submit a formal application with detailed plans.
- Demonstrate how proposed changes preserve the historic significance.
- Consult with heritage experts and address concerns.
- Await a decision from the planning authority.
What Our Clients Say.
We could tell you how great our team and services are, but that would be too easy. Why not take a look at what some of our previous clients have said?
Local Knowledge
National Coverage.
We have surveyors based across England in our regional offices. With expert knowledge of their local areas, you know you’re in safe hands.
Fourth Wall Yorkshire
Sheffield
2nd Floor
38 Carver Street
Sheffield S1 4FS
Fourth Wall // Midlands
Fourth Wall // South East
Areas We Cover
London
Mayfair
Pimlico
Kensington
Westminster
Lambeth
Islington
Enfield
Camden
Barnet
Belsize Park
Hampstead Heath
Finsbury Park
Home Counties
Ascot
Windsor
Sunningdale
Maidenhead
Cookham
Virginia Water
Cobham
Weybridge
Esher
Guildford
Oxshott
Beaconsfield
