We are pleased to confirm that Rochford District Council has formally discharged Conditions 3 and 4 attached to the listed building consent for 47–49 West Street, Rochford.
The approval, issued on 20 July 2026 under application reference 26/00162/DOC, follows the preparation of a Written Scheme of Investigation and a Historic Building Recording Report by Celona Consulting Ltd. Both conditions relate to listed building consent reference 25/00483/LBC.
This project represents another successful collaboration between Celona Consulting Ltd and Prestige Planning Ltd, combining planning and heritage expertise to satisfy the specialist requirements attached to the listed building consent.
Why was historic building recording required?
When alterations, conversion work or demolition could affect historically significant building fabric, the local planning authority may require the building to be investigated and recorded before those works begin.
At 47–49 West Street, Condition 3 required a programme of historic building recording to be secured through an approved Written Scheme of Investigation, commonly known as a WSI. Condition 4 prevented demolition, conversion or alteration from taking place until the recording required by the WSI had been satisfactorily completed.
The purpose of these conditions was to ensure that the building’s historic and archaeological interest was properly investigated and documented before the approved work affected the existing fabric.
Preparing the Written Scheme of Investigation
Celona Consulting prepared a Written Scheme of Investigation for Historic England Level 3 Historic Building Recording, issued as document reference 0574-WSI-L3 Rev A.
The WSI established how the investigation would be undertaken, the standard of recording required and the information to be produced. It provided an agreed framework for completing the fieldwork and preparing the final historic building record.
The WSI was submitted to the local planning authority on 3 March 2026 and reviewed by Place Services’ Built Heritage Consultant. The council’s decision confirmed that the submitted information was satisfactory.
Completing the Historic Building Record
Following preparation of the WSI, the on-site investigation and recording work was completed and brought together within the Historic Building Recording Report Rev A, dated 6 July 2026 and referenced 0574.
The completed submission included:
- The Historic Building Recording Report
- An OASIS project summary under reference celonaco1-544088
- A record drawing identifying the photograph positions
- A fieldwork statement
- A detailed photographic register
Together, these documents created a structured record of the building ahead of the consented alterations. The submission was reviewed by the council’s heritage consultant and found to be satisfactory.
Historic building recording is intended to improve understanding of a building’s history, development and surviving fabric. Depending on the required recording level, the work can include written descriptions, photographic documentation, analysis of historic fabric, phasing information and drawings that explain the building’s development and significance.
Conditions 3 and 4 formally discharged
Following its review, Rochford District Council confirmed that both Condition 3 and Condition 4 had been discharged, subject to the approved details being implemented in full.
This represents an important milestone for the project. The necessary investigation and recording have now been accepted by the local planning authority, providing a permanent record of the building and satisfying the heritage requirements attached to these two conditions.
It is important to distinguish this approval from the original listed building consent. The latest decision does not grant a new consent or remove any unrelated requirements. It specifically confirms that the Written Scheme of Investigation and historic building recording obligations imposed by Conditions 3 and 4 have been satisfactorily addressed.
The successful discharge also reflects the value of collaboration between the project team. Prestige Planning Ltd coordinated the wider planning process, while Celona Consulting Ltd prepared the specialist WSI, completed the historic building recording and produced the supporting heritage documentation required by the conditions.
Supporting alterations to listed and historic buildings
Projects involving listed buildings often require more than architectural drawings and a listed building consent application. Conditions may require further investigation, specialist specifications, material details, archaeological recording or evidence explaining how historically important fabric will be protected.
Preparing this information correctly is essential. A clear WSI establishes an agreed methodology before work begins, while the subsequent Historic Building Record preserves evidence of the building’s form, fabric and development before alteration.
At Celona Consulting Ltd, we can assist property owners, developers and planning consultants with:
- Written Schemes of Investigation
- Historic building recording
- Photographic and written building records
- Heritage statements
- Listed building consent applications
- Discharge of heritage-related conditions
- Detailed designs for the repair and alteration of historic buildings
The approval at 47–49 West Street demonstrates how carefully coordinated planning, investigation, fieldwork and reporting can satisfy specialist heritage requirements and help an approved project progress in a properly documented manner.
We are delighted to have achieved another successful outcome in collaboration with Prestige Planning Ltd.
If you require assistance with a listed building, heritage statement or the discharge of a heritage-related condition, please contact Celona Consulting Ltd to discuss your project.