Heritage planning & building conservation

Experienced heritage advice, with a practical and personal approach

Specialist, independent advice for homeowners and architects on repairing, altering, adapting and extending historic buildings, and on development within their setting.

Discuss your project What I can help with

12+ yearsin the built historic environment

IHBCfull member, Institute of Historic Building Conservation

MScHistoric Building Conservation

Both sidesformer local authority Conservation Officer

About the consultancy

Specialist heritage knowledge, from someone who has sat on both sides of the table

Smith Green Heritage Consultancy offers specialist heritage knowledge with a comprehensive understanding of heritage planning, conservation principles and the practical considerations involved in working with historic buildings.

I am Hannah Parkes, a heritage professional with over 12 years' experience across the public and private sectors. I have worked as a Conservation Officer for two local authorities and as a Senior Heritage Consultant in private practice, so I understand how proposals are prepared and how they are assessed.

I established the consultancy to provide independent advice with a particular focus on residential projects, working directly with homeowners and architects.

Hannah Parkes BA, MSc, IHBC · Heritage Consultant

More about my background

Services

How I can help

A bespoke service offering heritage advice, preparation of heritage statements and submission of applications to local planning authorities.

Heritage Statements & Impact Assessments

Clear, proportionate assessments of significance and the effect of your proposals, written to support planning and Listed Building Consent applications.

Early-stage advice

An initial assessment of the building, the scope for change and the likely planning requirements, so opportunities and constraints are understood before design work begins.

III

Listed buildings & their settings

Advice on alterations, extensions and changes of use, and on how proposals affect a listed building and its setting.

Conservation Areas

Guidance on development within Conservation Areas and on non-designated heritage assets, in both rural and urban settings.

Repairs & traditional materials

Advice on the appropriateness of repair methods and materials, informed by technical knowledge of traditional construction.

Sensitive design development

Working alongside architects and homeowners through design challenges to find the most appropriate solution for the building.

All services

My approach

Good conservation advice should be honest, constructive and pragmatic.

Rather than simply identifying what may not be acceptable, my approach is to understand the building, recognise its significance and explore how appropriate change can be achieved. Successful conservation is about finding the right balance between protecting what makes a building special and allowing it to remain functional and relevant for modern living.

Understanding historic buildings

A good understanding of traditional buildings is fundamental to appropriate conservation advice. My experience ranges from traditional cottages and country houses to agricultural buildings, historic landscapes, bridges and commercial buildings.

Timber-framed houses with leaded windows on a village street — **Timber frame**How a building has developed over time, and how that informs future proposals.

Close view of the layered edge of a thatched roof — **Thatch, slate & clay tile**Traditional roofing materials and the right approach to their repair.

Stone mullioned window set in an old red brick wall — **Brick & stonework**Traditional construction methods, materials and architectural features.

Explore my expertise

Thatched, timber-framed cottage with a brick chimney

Planning & sustainability

Informed by local authority experience

As a Conservation Officer at South Oxfordshire District Council and Bedford Borough Council I advised on planning applications, Listed Building Consent, pre-application enquiries, appeals and enforcement. That experience helps me identify potential issues early and advise on the likely acceptability of proposed works.

Thorough understanding of planning legislation and national and local policy
Energy efficiency and renewables for traditional buildings, including solar panels and insulation
Conservation Area appraisals, management plans and public consultation

Talk through your proposals

For homeowners

Making the process straightforward

Navigating the planning system can be unfamiliar, particularly when undertaking work to a listed building. I explain the relevant requirements and help you understand the options available to you.

For architects

A constructive voice in the design team

Where proposals raise heritage concerns, I explain these clearly and, wherever possible, suggest alternative approaches that achieve the client's objectives whilst better protecting the building's significance.

Get in touch

Considering work to a historic building?

Clear advice at an early stage helps you understand the opportunities and constraints. Call or email to talk through your project.

Call 07761 131471 Make an enquiry

Hannah Parkes BA, MSc, IHBC Heritage Consultant

Mobile: 07761 131471
Email: SGHeritageConsultancy@outlook.com
Office: Smith Green Farm, Hempstead Road,
Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, CB9 7DY