A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is required in Scotland whenever a development proposal directly or indirectly affects a designated cultural heritage asset—including listed buildings, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, historic battlefields, or World Heritage Sites. Local planning authorities require an HIA to prove that your plans adhere to National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and will not diminish the historic significance of the asset.

Onshore wind, solar, and hydro developments throughout Scotland frequently face complex cultural heritage constraints. We conduct visual-impact assessments, evaluate cumulative effects on scheduled monuments, and compile strategic environmental assessments to harmonize modern energy infrastructure with historic preservation mandates.

In accordance with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997, any works that alter the character, fabric, or appearance of a listed building require Listed Building Consent (LBC). This statutory requirement applies nationwide across Scotland. Local planning authorities (such as City of Edinburgh Council, Glasgow City Council, or Highland Council) manage these applications in close consultation with Historic Environment Scotland (HES). JW Heritage Consulting prepares detailed design justifications and physical impact reports to safely secure LBC approvals.

Scotland's National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) Policy 15 promotes "Local Living," aiming to allow communities to meet most of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk, wheel, or cycle from home. This represents a major opportunity for historic conservation: rather than leaving listed buildings or conservation areas vacant, developers are encouraged to reuse and adapt them for community spaces, local retail, or mixed-use housing. JW Heritage Consulting helps clients align adaptive reuse designs with Policy 15, streamlining the local council planning process.