Heritage & conservation consultancy
Our heritage is all around us. It is the houses we live in, places we work, places of worship, parks and gardens and the transport we use.
Conservation is the act of protecting resources for the enjoyment of future generations.
Heritage and conservation in respect to building development is mainly associated with listed buildings. When a building becomes listed by Historic England an additional layer of assessment is applied to any proposed changes to that structure to ensure that the proposed works do not compromise the potential enjoyment of the heritage asset for future generations. The protection afforded by listing may extend beyond the structure into the wider curtilage and setting.
It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to modify a listed building without obtaining consent beforehand. Ignorance is not an excuse.
In practice this means that whilst listed buildings can be altered, extended or occasionally demolished, it will be necessary to fully consider the value of the existing building and obtain listed building consent for these works via the planning process.
Listed building consent – structural engineering
It is important that changes to listed buildings do not destabilise the existing building. Where works of a structural nature are proposed it is likely that a structural report and detailed plans will be required. These will indicate the proposed changes and any measures to safeguard the remaining structure will also be included within the Listed building consent submission.
Form can assist with works to heritage structures. Our engineers have a wealth of past experience within this sector. Our relevant services include:
- Structural inspection
- Intrusive investigation
- Archive searches
- Providing structural reports
- Designs for structural modification and repair works
- Coordination of other specialist surveys that may be required.
How can Form’s consultants help?
We are a structural engineering practice based in Truro offering a full range of structural engineering services. Form’s team consists of highly experienced and capable heritage and conservation consultants technicians and support staff. We pride ourselves on our friendly and proactive approach with the aim of being responsive to our client’s requirements from the initial enquiry stage, providing advice and through to project completion.
We use modern structural engineering analysis and building modelling software to produce well communicated, efficient designs. We collaborate with the client and other members of the creative team to develop a design that meets all requirements and needs, considers the architectural scheme and the existing site.
Our services include:
- Structural Design.
- Building Control Calculations.
- Structural Element Design.
- Structural Inspection Reports.
- Party Wall Surveys.
- Construction Quality Inspections.
We understand the need to work closely alongside agents and architects as part of the design team during the detailed stage of any project. This approach limits delays in the preparation of potential construction/tender packages.
We also recognise the importance of:
- Timescales for initial markups to allow the architect to move forward with the scheme.
- Working with and having discussions/ flexibility on the approach to the engineering to allow consideration during the design process.
- Tailoring our output to meet the need and budget of the project.
- Clear and concise drawings and details for easy interpretation.
Whether you are an individual private client, small business or larger company we recognise that your project represents a significant investment, we always aim to deliver a good quality service to support any of our clients through the design and construction stage.
Contact us today about our heritage & conservation services
If Form can help with any heritage & conservation consultancy, a fee proposal or residential structural appraisal, you can get in touch with us here:
Alternatively, you can email hello@formconsulting.co.uk or call 01872 630 150.