Heather Nelson

Middlesbrough's Conservation Officer role sits in Planning Services and the duties are split into three areas - Development Management, Planning Policy and Projects.

I advise Development Management colleagues on planning, Listed Building, discharge of conditions and other applications, enforcement and appeals, where impacts on Heritage Assets have been identified; I advise elected members, residents, developers, architects, agents, business owners and landowners (including the Church of England, Network Rail and Teesside University) pre-application, on Listed Building proposals. I attend Planning Committee when needed. I regularly arrange and attend pre-application and application site visits, to buildings and development sites. I work with the Council's external Archaeology consultant as needed and alongside other planners and technicians and with arboricultural, regeneration, building control and highways colleagues. My advice is pragmatic, focused on the significance of Heritage Assets and their settings, to enable sustainable uses of historic buildings, guiding solutions and finding ways forward for change impacting heritage assets.

I advise Planning Policy colleagues on development of the Local Plan and supporting policy and guidance, including engaging with elected Members and the public; I survey Conservation Areas to inform and revise Character Appraisals and Management Plans, survey Conservation Areas covered by Article 4 directions, to update databases. I update and revise Middlesbrough's Local List of non-designated Heritage Assets. I collate Heritage At Risk data, including providing data annually to Historic England. I work with Historic England North East in relation to Middlesbrough's Grade I and II* Listed Buildings, its Scheduled Monuments, Heritage At Risk and Local Plan. I produce Statements of Significance and commission external consultants to produce them and heritage audits, as required. I update and advise on the use of Middlesbrough's Historic Environment Record, including working with Geographic Information Systems.

I advise Economic Development colleagues on Council projects and regeneration schemes (including the current High Street Heritage Action Zone around the Railway Station) and restoration of Council-owned Listed Buildings (such as the Transporter Bridge, Town Hall, Dock Clock Tower and Central Library).

Providing built conservation advice to help manage change in Darlington's historic environment. This included pre-application advice, advice on planning and Listed Building Consent application, advice on Local Plans and other policies and guidance and advice on Council projects and schemes.

Helping draft the Local Plan and supporting policies and guidance, including contributions to Conservation Area Character Appraisals

Contribution to Minerals & Waste Local Development Framework, including responsibility for the Annual Monitoring Report and attending consultation events.