Heritage consultant in Bourne End

A well‑established planning and heritage consultancy is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Heritage Consultant to join its growing team in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. This organisation has a strong track record of supporting clients and landowners in securing planning permission and delivering successful property development projects. The consultancy works across a broad range of sectors, with a particular focus on commercial and residential planning. Clients include major hospitality and retail brands, housebuilders, land promoters, developers, banks, sports and leisure operators, and private healthcare organisations, alongside public sector clients such as housing associations.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting and expanding the organisation's heritage consultancy services. This position involves providing expert advice on heritage and archaeological matters while working closely with planners, developers, architects, and local authorities to ensure projects align with heritage legislation, national planning policy, and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on heritage and archaeology matters, ensuring compliance with planning policies and legislation.
• Prepare Heritage Statements, Archaeological Desk‑Based Assessments, Impact Assessments, and other supporting documentation for planning and listed building consent applications.
• Assess the significance of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes and recommend approaches to preserve or enhance significance while minimising potential harm.
• Liaise with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, and other stakeholders to negotiate heritage‑related planning matters.
• Undertake site visits and heritage appraisals to evaluate the potential impact of proposed developments on heritage assets.
• Advise on conservation best practice, including materials and repair methods, to support clients managing change to heritage assets.
• Support clients throughout the planning process, from pre‑application advice through to post‑consent conditions.
• Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities with existing and prospective clients and helping secure new instructions.
• Attend networking and industry events to build relationships and generate new leads.
• Maintain accurate project records, including time recording and forecasting reports.

Key Skills and Experience

• Degree in Archaeology, Architecture, Planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience within a heritage consultancy, planning consultancy, or similar environment.
• Experience preparing appeal statements and attending hearings is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of UK heritage legislation, including the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
• Experience preparing heritage assessments and supporting documentation for planning applications.
• Membership of CIfA or IHBC would be desirable.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a supportive and highly experienced team of planning and heritage professionals within a respected consultancy environment. The role offers strong prospects for professional development and career progression while working on a diverse range of projects across the UK. Candidates with a passion for heritage and an interest in supporting positive change within the planning and development sector are encouraged to apply.