Heritage planning is constantly changing, with legal precedent, new policies, updated advice, and a growing emphasis on balancing historic character with sustainable development. At Union4, we stay closely aligned with these developments to ensure our advice remains practical, proportionate and relevant to every project. 

Each month, Historic England publishes its Planning Bulletin, a round-up of key updates, consultations and guidance affecting heritage and planning. It covers a wide range of topics, from ministerial appointments and planning reform, to emerging issues such as the relationship between renewable energy and archaeology. The most recent edition highlights a consultation paper on Archaeology and Solar Farms: Good Practice Guide – A toolkit for developers, archaeological advisors, consultants and contractors. This is partly a response to the growth in renewable energy schemes needed to hit the UK’s zero carbon commitments, which can impact below ground archaeology as well as the landscape and setting of heritage assets. With extensive experience in renewable energy projects, including large scale solar farms, flexible generation facilities and EV charging infrastructure, this is guidance of particular relevance to our work.     

Our team prepares Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) for projects of all scales, from proportionate heritage statements supporting smaller planning applications to detailed reports for complex or sensitive developments. Recent work includes assessing the impact of EV charger installations in urban petrol stations, extensions to historic hotels, and proposals for a care home adjacent to a Grade I listed park. We have also recently advised on numerous barn conversions, residential extensions and large-scale housing developments where heritage considerations form an important part of the planning balance.

We’re often appointed to assist where heritage input has been missed earlier in the process, resulting in validation delays or requests for additional information. Our agile approach lets us to respond quickly, providing focused, proportionate assessments that help projects move forward smoothly and meet local authority requirements.

Resources such as the Historic England Planning Bulletin are invaluable in helping practitioners and applicants remain up to date with national heritage policy and advice. For anyone involved in development within sensitive historic contexts, awareness of these changes can make a significant difference to the progress of a scheme.

At Union4, we combine in-depth heritage expertise with practical planning insight, helping clients navigate this complex landscape with confidence.

Historic England Planning Bulletin | Historic England
For heritage advice or HIA support, please get in touch with our team- planning@union4.co.uk