Protecting Our Historic Environment

Protecting Our Historic Environment

TEP’s Heritage team fosters some of the most knowledgeable and passionate Historic Environment Consultants. Take for example Senior Consultant Amir Bassir, who has recently championed the listing application of an 18th century Oxhouse in Upper Heyford, Northamptonshire. This building has significant architectural and historic interest and represents an unusual and rare survival of an uncommon building type. He submitted the application in May 2020 and has just received confirmation of its now Grade II status. This means the structure is now defined as a building of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it.

As a registered member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), TEP’s Heritage team are committed to providing the highest professional standards, as well as being recognised for their expertise. Being a member highlights their dedication to the protection of the historic environment, something all the team is passionate about.

Our commitment doesn’t stop there: this year two members of our Heritage team were elected to join two of CIfA’s professional groups. Senior Consultant, Sarah Hannon-Bland joined CIfA’s Project Management Special Interest Group, which aims to promote and train members in effective project management. In her spare time Sarah also volunteers with The National Trust, to assist with the running of a historic property, and restore dry stone walls with a group of dedicated volunteers. She also undertakes a European Heritage Volunteers project on an annual basis, working with other professionals and local communities on conservation and revitalisation of at-risk heritage sites, to exchange ideas and best practice models of heritage conservation.

Senior Historic Environment Consultant - Sarah Hannon-Bland

Amir Bassir joined CIfA’s Building Archaeology Group, which aims to promote the archaeological analysis, research, and interpretation of standing structures. The Buildings Group recently discussed the Government’s ‘Planning for the Future’ White Paper which sets out proposals to overhaul the planning system in England. It was discussed how this overhaul might affect the heritage sector and what challenges and opportunities may result.

Senior Historic Environment Consultant - Amir Bassir

Being an active member of the CIfA community allows both Sarah and Amir to share best practice and lessons learnt with the rest of the team. It also allows them to learn from other heritage professionals. This ultimately helps improve project outputs and bring further benefits to both our clients and the historic environment.

Led by Jason Clarke (MCIfA), the team applies their diverse range of skills to a number of different projects. Recent work includes:

  • Level 4 building recording of the Grade I Listed 18th century Tredegar House Stables
  • Level 3 building recording at the Grade II* 17th century Hind Hotel
  • Management of archaeological watching briefs in Cornwall, Somerset, Leeds, Manchester and Wales
  • EIA applications in Yorkshire including; desk-based study, ES chapters, Written Schemes of Investigation, as well as managing geophysical survey, trial trenching evaluation and mitigation strategies.

To discover more from our Heritage team click here.