With over 35 years of planning, regeneration and conservation expertise, Ian Rowan Heritage provides independent, specialist consultancy for historic buildings and environments across the UK. Ian’s unique background in both local authority and private sector roles means every project benefits from a deep understanding of heritage significance, planning policy and real-world development challenges.
Heritage should be celebrated, not seen as a barrier to change. We help clients find intelligent, sustainable solutions that respect the character of historic places while enabling thoughtful development. With clear communication, pragmatic advice, and a collaborative approach, we make navigating heritage considerations simpler, smoother and more successful.
From heritage appraisals and design advice to planning applications and appeals, we offer a comprehensive range of consultancy services. Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, developer or local authority, we provide tailored guidance to help you make informed decisions and achieve positive outcomes for heritage-led projects.
Understanding the significance of a historic building or site is essential when planning any development or change. We prepare clear, comprehensive heritage appraisals, statements of significance and impact assessments to support planning applications and guide design decisions.
This includes work on listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments and non-designated heritage assets. By carefully evaluating historical context, architectural value and potential impacts, we ensure that proposals are well informed, evidence-based and stand up to planning scrutiny.
Good design within historic environments requires a sensitive and informed approach. We provide specialist advice to architects, developers, homeowners and local authorities on how best to shape proposals that respect and enhance historic character while meeting modern needs.
This includes advising on alterations, extensions and new development adjacent to heritage assets, helping to refine designs to ensure they are sympathetic, sustainable and more likely to achieve planning consent.
Navigating the planning system for heritage projects can be complex. We offer clear, pragmatic support for planning applications and appeals, ensuring heritage considerations are addressed properly at every stage.
This includes preparing supporting heritage documentation, responding to consultee feedback, and producing statements or representations for appeals where applications have been refused.
We work closely with clients and professional teams to ensure that planning submissions are robust and persuasive, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
If you’re planning work on a historic building or site and need expert heritage guidance, we’re here to help. Get in touch to arrange an initial discussion and find out how Ian Rowan Heritage can support your project from start to finish.
