Building
Recording
Historic Buildings are an important source of information about
architectural, engineering and building crafts, and social and
economic history. Uninformed changes to the fabric of such structures
can result in the loss of valuable information. Although the majority
of damage to historic buildings is not willful it does result
from a lack of understanding about the intrinsic importance of
elements of the structure.
Historic Building Recording provides a means to understanding
the significance and importance of an historic structure. It provides
a basis from which informed decisions can be made about the future
of the building. Archaeology South East can provide this at a
number of levels, from a rapid visual assessment of the structure
to a detailed archaeological record. Documentary research is also
undertaken to augment the data revealed by the building structure.
The requirement for the survey may arise from a number of sources:
a local planning authority seeking, under Planning Policy Guidance
Note (PPG) 15, a building assessment or archaeological record
of a listed building to be submitted with an application for works;
application for grant funding: contribution to a conservation
management plan, or it may be an owner interested in understanding
more about the place in which they live. Whatever the size and
nature of the project Archaeology South East can provide a service
to meet your needs.
We can liaise with conservation architects and builders and local
planning authority conservation officers to create a better understanding
of the importance of a building and to inform the design process.
This can assist in a smooth path for applications for consent.
The specifications devised by Archaeology South-East for carrying
out assessments have been designed to meet the recommendations
of PPG 15 without burdening the owner with excessive additional
expense. They have been designed to give a reliable overview of
the date, sequence of construction, and principal architectural
features of the buildings. As such, the assessments should not
be regarded as detailed archaeological records, nor should they
be taken as definitive. Further research, particularly following
stripping out of later coverings, is likely to refine and extend
the archaeological record and may modify the interpretations given.
All decisions regarding alterations and repairs to buildings
of historic and architectural significance should be based on
a sound knowledge of the history of local building construction
and design. Archaeology South East are well placed to offer expert
advice on the building forms of the South East of England.
ASE can provide an integrated service combining building recording
with below ground archaeology providing a cost effective and complete
service.
Contact: Ron Humphrey
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