Planning and Conceptual Development

At JWGS Associates, we have worked with local authorities across the UK and have developed a wealth of knowledge of the planning process. We work with clients to advise on planning policy and help develop sites which satisfy planning aspirations whilst taking into account our client’s commercial needs.

We work collaboratively both within the practice and with the wider design team to develop concept and design ideas which and creative, innovative, sustainable driven and well considered.

Technical

As well as our strengths in planning we have a strong technical team who work hard to develop conceptual ideas and planning aspirations into well-resolved buildings and carefully considered choices which make a positive impact on the built environment.

Our varied technical expertise allows us to provide our clients with relevant information to make informed decisions, whether that be a church conversion, conservation interventions, your home, residential or advice on best practices in terms of environmental and sustainability choices.

We work across all stages of the design and construction process and can tailor our services to suit the individual needs of our clients. Whether it be detailed information for building warrants, production information or on-site support, we can provide the right mix of talent to deliver successful buildings and wider developments.

Feasibility

JWGS Associates provides tailored feasibility study services for a wide range of sites, including heritage assets, constrained plots, and new development opportunities. We assess planning policy, site context, access, services, and physical or legal constraints to identify risks and unlock potential. For historic or listed buildings, we evaluate significance, condition, and capacity for sensitive intervention. Our studies offer clear, practical guidance on what’s possible, considering budget, design intent, and regulatory requirements. Whether for a rural site, urban infill, or complex heritage context, we help clients make informed, confident decisions at the earliest stage of their project.

Detailed Condition Survey
Thorough inspection of building elements to assess condition, identify defects, and inform repair strategies for historic and listed structures.

Quinquennial Reports
Five-yearly architectural reports providing structured assessments, prioritised repair schedules, and conservation advice for churches and historic buildings under regular care.

Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA)
Evaluating proposed changes to heritage assets, identifying potential impacts, and recommending mitigation strategies to support planning and listed building applications.

Heritage Statements
Documenting the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of buildings to inform planning decisions and guide appropriate, sensitive design interventions.

Conservation Plans
Comprehensive documents outlining significance, policies, and strategies for conserving historic sites while enabling appropriate change and future management.

Management Plans
Establishing long-term, sustainable frameworks for the stewardship, use, and maintenance of heritage assets within their broader environmental and social context.

Full Restoration Works
Complete restoration services for historic buildings, including fabric repairs, reinstatement of lost features, and integration of modern standards where appropriate.

Repair and Maintenance Works
Skilled, sensitive repair and routine maintenance of historic buildings to prolong lifespan and retain architectural integrity using traditional materials and techniques.

Intervention into Historic Fabrics
Design and execution of respectful, minimal-impact changes to historic materials, balancing contemporary needs with heritage conservation principles and guidance.

Interventions into the Historic Environment
Careful, context-aware interventions within historic settings that support new use, accessibility, and landscape integration while preserving character and significance.

We collaborate closely with landowners and promoters to craft comprehensive masterplans that optimise their resources while fostering thoughtfully integrated communities, and linking into existing communities.

Our partnerships extend to house-builders, developers, historical bodies, and local authorities with our goal to design places and spaces that harmonise with the structure they encompass. Our goal is to design places and spaces which compliment the buildings within them or that protect and enhance the local or existing historical context

Whether you’re a landowner working with a greenfield rural site, a developer tackling a complex urban context, or a building manager looking to realise the business potential of your built assets, we can help.