Service
Conservation & Heritage
Specialist advice on listed buildings, conservation areas, and scheduled monuments — grounded in current planning policy and Historic England guidance.
The Significance of the Historic Environment
The historic environment is a material consideration in the planning system. NPPF Chapter 16 requires local planning authorities to identify and assess the significance of heritage assets and to weigh any harm to that significance against the public benefits of a proposal. Getting this assessment right — and presenting it clearly — is central to the success of any application affecting a heritage asset.
Megaplan provides conservation advice that is technically rigorous and policy-accurate. We work with architects, developers, and building owners to navigate the consenting process for works to listed buildings, development within conservation areas, and projects affecting the setting of scheduled monuments and registered parks and gardens.
Conservation Services
Listed Building Consent
Preparation and submission of Listed Building Consent (LBC) applications for alterations, extensions, and changes of use to listed buildings. We prepare heritage statements that assess the significance of the asset and demonstrate that the proposed works preserve or enhance that significance in accordance with NPPF paragraph 205.
Conservation Area Applications
Planning applications and prior approval submissions for development within designated conservation areas. We advise on the character and appearance of the conservation area and prepare design and access statements that respond to the relevant conservation area appraisal.
Heritage Impact Assessments
Structured assessments of the impact of proposed development on the significance of heritage assets and their settings, prepared in accordance with Historic England's guidance on the setting of heritage assets (GPA3) and the Conservation Principles (2008).
Scheduled Monument Consent
Applications for Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) to Historic England for works affecting scheduled monuments. We advise on the scope of works permissible and prepare supporting documentation for the consent application.
Registered Parks & Gardens
Planning advice and heritage impact assessments for development affecting registered parks and gardens on the Historic England Register. We assess the significance of the registered landscape and the impact of proposed works on its special historic interest.
Pre-Application Heritage Advice
Early-stage advice on the heritage constraints affecting a site or building, including significance assessments, identification of the relevant heritage assets and their settings, and advice on the likely acceptability of proposed works.
Policy & Guidance Framework
NPPF Chapter 16
Conserving and enhancing the historic environment — the primary planning policy framework for heritage assets in England
Historic England — Conservation Principles (2008)
The framework for understanding and assessing the significance of heritage assets
Historic England — GPA3: The Setting of Heritage Assets
Guidance on assessing the impact of development on the setting of heritage assets
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
The primary legislative basis for listed building consent and conservation area controls
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
The legislative basis for scheduled monument consent
Heritage Advice from First Principles
Every heritage asset is different. We begin with a thorough understanding of significance before advising on what is possible — and how to make the strongest possible case.