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Two old chimneys against a clear blue sky with the Archaeological Services logo in top right

Historic building recording 

Our historic building service supports the conversion, redevelopment or demolition of historic buildings.

Our work has included the recording of redundant farm buildings prior to their conversion into holiday lets, the recording of public houses and chapels to be converted into modern homes, and the recording of major industrial complexes prior to their demolition to enable residential developments. We have also provided detailed records of important buildings, including Grade 1 listed buildings and World Heritage sites, to inform their long-term maintenance and repair.

We often need to assess the significance of historic structures to support planning applications, to ensure any elements of historic importance are proportionally maintained or recorded. We also produce Heritage Statements for this purpose, which assess the impact of development on buildings and associated heritage assets, including the impact on their setting.

Various levels of recording are offered, depending on the significance of the buildings and the requirements of the planning authorities. They vary from simple photographic surveys and the annotation of existing plans, to the production of detailed metric surveys of the exterior elevations and interior features, supported by historical research. Photogrammetric applications and 3D modelling can be provided, supported by drone-based imagery and survey data where required.

 

Front façade of an historic police station and court house

Former police station and courts recorded prior to its conversion to a hotel

Section of wall and sea defences located on the foreshore

The Hendon Foreshore Barrier, Port of Sunderland, was recorded before an extensive programme of repair

Derelict farm building with red and white ranging rod leaning against the wall

Historic farm buildings such as this are often recorded prior to being converted into new homes or holiday lets

A clock tower surrounded by scaffolding

Archaeological input was needed to inform the repair of the Robinson Arch clock tower at Auckland Castle

Internal walls of an old power station in a state of disrepair

The remains of Lemington Power Station were recorded before its demolition and redevelopment of the site