OUR EXPERIENCE USING THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PRE-APP ADVISORY SERVICE & ENHANCED ADVISORY SERVICES
September 23, 2025
Heritage properties contribute significantly to our built environment and represent a finite and irreplaceable asset. To ensure their continued use and relevance for both their owners and the wider public, they occasionally require sensitive and often reversible updates.
Over the past year, we’ve been working with English Heritage’s Pre-Application Advisory and Enhanced Advisory Services on some of our more prominent Grade II* and Grade I listed buildings. In the blog post below, we share key insights and lessons learned from this experience.
Working with heritage or listed buildings in the UK can be a complex and challenging process, particularly when it comes to planning. The increasing pressures on Local Authorities to make decisions within tight deadlines only adds to the challenge. It's easy to overlook that Listed Building Applications are, in essence, a free service designed to help ensure the preservation of our heritage. Local Authorities offer Pre-App services for a fee, and so do Historic England. Recently, we have begun to utilise Historic England’s paid services for some of our higher-profile applications, including a Grade I listed building , where we are working to improve public accessibility.
Below a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of our experience;
What is the English Heritage Pre-App Service?
The English Heritage Pre-App service is aimed at developers, Architects, and property owners. Through this service, you submit your proposal, and there is an option for a site visit where a Historic England advisor walks through your proposal and discusses key outcomes. Following the visit, the advisor will produce a report outlining their views on the proposals, including areas of historic and design interest.
In our experience the site visit is invaluable. In our most recent application, it allowed us to discuss the client's intent for the building, where public accessibility was a key concern. The goal was to replace a temporary ramp at the rear of the building with a more permanent solution, that would be sympathetic to the building's character whilst enabling the spaces to be accessible to all. What we didn’t anticipate, however, was the interest from the case officer in improving accessibility to other key areas of the building. Allowing, if possible, for everyone to experience entering these wonderful historic properties as originally intended.
Pros of the English Heritage Pre-App Service
Expert Heritage Advice
Receive early guidance on how your project aligns with conservation policies, improving the likelihood of approval.
Increased Approval Chances
Early consultation ensures your project meets heritage standards, which boosts your chances of gaining planning and listed building consent.
Cost Efficiency
Identifying potential issues early in the process can prevent costly redesigns or delays later.
Clear Policy Understanding
Historic England helps clarify relevant regulations, reducing the risk of misinterpretation or overlooking important rules.
Tailored Feedback
Gain advice that is specific to your project, making the service more useful for your unique situation.
Costs
In some circumstance initial advice is available for free
Cons of the English Heritage Pre-App Service
Costs
In depth continued consultation comes with a fee, which may be a concern for smaller projects. However, it’s often worth the investment given the potential for achieving a positive outcome for your property.
No Guarantee of Approval
Whilst the service improves your application, approval is still at the discretion of the Local Planning Authority. In sensitive situations we would recommend a Pre-Application with the Local Authority also.
Time
Feedback from Historic England can take time, which must be factored into project timelines. If you're on a tight schedule, this could be a drawback.
Limited Scope
The focus is primarily on heritage concerns, so you’ll still need additional advice for other planning aspects such as structural or environmental considerations.
Requires Detailed Plans
To get the most out of this service, your Architect will need to provide thorough supporting infomation, and so, despite a project being in its early stages, a level of development is required.
Conclusion
Although we have only used it a few times we have found the English Heritage Pre-App service to be a very positive experience for heritage-based projects, offering expert guidance that can save time and money. This compliments, and can work along the Pre-App services of the Local Authority
For projects involving listed buildings, it’s a proactive tool that can significantly increase your chances of success.