Building recording and plan creation

When a proposed development impacts on the fabric of a historic building or when a historic building may be removed by development, local planning authorities often require the developer to provide a detailed record of the building prior to its alteration or demolition.

Wardell Armstrong Archaeology has extensive experience in the field of historic building recording and has provided this service to commercial developers and organisations such as heritage trusts and English Heritage.

The team is able to undertake a number of rapid approaches to building recording, as required by project briefs designed by local or national planning authorities, archaeological curators, consultants or developers.

At the simplest level, they can undertake a swift visual inspection to record a building’s historic plan, form, function, age, development and construction. A description of the building’s landscape and historic context can also be initiated.

Formulation of accurate building plans

Further survey can also be undertaken to create accurate building plans, tied into Ordnance Survey data. Assessments of the historical worth of particular buildings can aid planning applications. If a greater level of recording is required, rectified photographic recording of building elevations can be undertaken, which, coupled with reflectorless survey of key components using a Total Station Theodolite, can be digitised in an industry-standard Computer Aided Drawing package for the production of accurate elevations.

The building recording team has extensive knowledge and experience of recording historic buildings across a wide span of time periods, and a broad knowledge of architectural history which can see a project completed rapidly and cost effectively.

The team can also advise on and undertake conservation and restoration projects.

Wardell Armstrong Archaeology is at the forefront of the management of heritage assets and conservation planning, regularly working with chartered architects, consulting engineers and ecologists to provide input into management plans for historic buildings.