Expert witness experience spans the full range of appeal procedures — written representations, hearings and public inquiries — and includes the preparation and presentation of heritage evidence grounded in Historic England's Conservation Principles, GPA3 setting methodology and the relevant case law. This work focuses on clear, honest and defensible positions that can be sustained under examination.

Relevant experience includes built heritage evidence at a public inquiry concerning the demolition of a non-designated heritage asset and its replacement with a purpose-built dementia care home. The assessment addressed the significance of the asset and the balanced judgement required by the NPPF for such buildings, and the appeal was allowed. Heritage evidence has also been presented at hearing, including a matter concerning a Grade II listed building forming part of a farm group. Further experience includes a planning appeal determined by written representations, concerning land adjacent to a Grade II listed house, where a heritage statement rebutted a collective objection and the reasoning of the local planning panel, with the evidence grounded in GPA3 methodology and the Palmer and Barnwell Manor judgments.

Built heritage assessment has also formed the baseline evidence for major schemes at inquiry, including a large-scale science and technology development. In that case the built heritage assessment of effects on the surrounding historic environment was carried through to a successful inquiry, with the Inspector agreeing with its conclusions, and in some respects finding that the assessment had been conservative in its judgement of impact. The appeal was allowed.

Across this work the approach to expert evidence prioritises proportionate, robust assessment and the honest interpretation of significance and policy over advocacy, presenting conclusions that decision-makers can rely upon.