The planning system in England and Wales can be confusing to navigate for even experienced developers because of all the many considerations that apply, especially where heritage is concerned. With a web of different areas of legislation to take into account and with so much of the decision-making process in the hands of the various local authorities, it can be hard to know where to start, particularly in an area as complicated as Sheffield. The city’s industrial past and its proximity to so many areas of historical and natural interest can make it a minefield for prospective developments, making it even more important that anyone attempting it has good advice on their side. And that’s where Blue Willow Heritage can help.

 

Based in Harrogate, Blue Willow Heritage is a historic environment consultancy whose job is to provide input and advice into development schemes to help make them more likely to succeed, and to create higher quality buildings at the end. Thanks to an in-depth knowledge of local and national planning policies, as well as years of experience in the heritage sector, Blue Willow Heritage has the ability to tackle even complex schemes and to turn a no into a yes. Working collaboratively with all parties in a project, from the client to the contractors and the local authorities, we can ensure that all stakeholders can get what they want, and create a development that is high quality and respectful of the area’s character.

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Our years of experience working in the heritage field of the built environment mean we have worked on just about every type of development and style and age of building, from Victorian hospitals through to Medieval farmhouses and Arts and Crafts mansions. Using this knowledge, we can do far more than just tick the right boxes, and can add value at every stage, from the drawing board all the way through to construction and beyond. Providing useful design and materials advice, expert planning input and ongoing conservation management ideas, our expertise covers every element of the building’s lifespan. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to convert or adapt your historic dwelling, or a developer trying to get an edge of village housing project off the ground, our knowledge spans everything from architectural and historical elements to landscape and planning considerations.

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Sheffield is a rapidly changing city with a complex cityscape that incorporates everything from prehistoric and medieval sites to industrial, Victorian and post-war housing projects. Industrial heritage such as Kelham Island foundry and worker housing at Crookesmoor rubs shoulders with post-war heritage like Park Hill flats and natural beauty in the Peak District National Park, and in service of your project we can create supporting documents for your scheme including listed building consent, desk-based assessments, statements of significance heritage statements, and historic building recordings. We can also help with all of your on-site requirements too, and provide services such as watching briefs, below-ground archaeological services, drone surveys, human remains analysis and more.

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Whether your project is in Sheffield itself, or Worksop, Retford, Doncaster, Barnsley, Stockbridge, Chesterfield or anywhere in-between – your first move should be to call Blue Willow Heritage to find out how we can help.