Historic Environment Section

Our contact details are below and details of our core advisory and consultation services may be found on the following page:

HES Links

About the HES

The Historic Environment Section is the archaeology, conservation, heritage and historic building service of the City Council. As part of the Planning and Transportation Division the team members are involved in caring for the City’s listed buildings, scheduled monuments and conservation areas, managing its ancient monuments, maintaining its archaeological records, developing its heritage and ensuring that the historic environment is a vital part of the regeneration of the City.

Some members of the team also provide specialist advice to Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland Councils as part of the Tyne and Wear Specialist Conservation Team

Staff Profiles and Contact Details

Ian Ayris, Historic Environment Manager

Phone: 277 7190 / internal 27190
E-mail: ian.ayris@newcastle.gov.uk

is responsible for and manages the Historic Environment Section.
is responsible for ensuring that conservation , historic buildings, archaeology and industrial archaeology are a high priority of the Council.
deals with strategic issues and co-ordinates major projects and reports
has a specialist role as County Industrial Archaeologist - providing advice and assistance to all the Tyne and Wear Districts on any issues to do with the industrial heritage of the area.
administers the Tyne and Wear Specialist Conservation Team

Dave Heslop, County Archaeologist

Phone: 277 7194 / 2816117 / internal 27194
E-mail: david.heslop@newcastle.gov.uk

provides advice to Newcastle City Council and all the Districts of Tyne and Wear on archaeology, historic sites and monuments.
is responsible for deciding where archaeological work is required and what form it should take.
looks after the ancient monuments owned by the City Council – deciding what work is required to the Castle Keep, the Town Walls and Towers.
Also responsible for the care, repair and maintenance of a number of the city’s public monuments, statues and drinking fountains and for elements of the City Council’s public art portfolio.

Jennifer Morrison, Archaeology Officer

Phone: 277 7193/ 2816117 / internal 27193
E-mail: jennifer.morrison@newcastle.gov.uk

examines planning applications throughout the County to determine whether they are archaeologically sensitive and recommends where archaeological works are required
is responsible for the management and development of the Tyne & Wear Historic Environment Record – the County’s definitive database of known archaeological sites.
recommends where archaeology might be found or disturbed by proposed building or development.
helps members of the public, schoolchildren and students who have questions about the archaeology of the County

Fiona Cullen, Heritage Officer

Phone: 277 7192 / internal 27192
E-mail: fiona.cullen@newcastle.gov.uk

promotes the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the city’s heritage and historic environment, produces advice notes, interpretation leaflets and arranges heritage events such as Heritage Open Days
administers and manages Conservation grant schemes such as Heritage Economic Regeneration Schemes
provides advice and guidance about appropriate conservation works to City Council departments and to external organisations.
provides advice on the most appropriate works to Grade II listed and other unlisted buildings in the Summerhill Conservation Area and in part of the Central Conservation Area

Peter Derham, County Historic Buildings Officer

Phone: 211 5626 / internal 25626
E-mail: peter.derham@newcastle.gov.uk

specialises in giving advice on how to carry out works to our most outstanding historic buildings – those which are recognised as regionally or nationally outstanding and Listed as Grade I or Grade II buildings.
provides advice to all the District Councils of Tyne and Wear on their listed buildings and on buildings within their Conservation Areas.
offers advice to owners of buildings, developers and planning officers on appropriate methods to preserve the architectural integrity of the City

Nicky Charles, Conservation Officer

Phone: 211 5625 / internal 25625
E-mail: nicky.charles@newcastle.gov.uk

provides advice on proposals or planning applications which involves or affects Grade II listed buildings or significant unlisted buildings in the City’s Central Conservation Area outside of the City Centre Grainger Town Area, and in Brandling Village, South Jesmond, Framlington and Leazes Conservation Areas.
provides architectural advice to owners of buildings, developers and planning officers
prepares Conservation Area Character Statements, and management plans.

Ben Smith, Heritage Development Assistant and Local List Co-ordinator

Phone. 277 7194 / internal 27194
E-mail: ben.smith@newcastle.gov.uk

Has principal responsibility for the preparation and development of the Local List of Buildings, Structures, Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces of Special Interest
Responsible for internet and IT based heritage developments, including the Heritage Open Days website
Organises and delivers web-based consultation on the Local Development Framework

Susan Degnan, Conservation Officer

Phone: 277 7198 / internal 27198
E-mail: sue.degnan@newcastle.gov.uk

provides advice on proposals or planning applications which involves or affects Grade II listed buildings or significant unlisted buildings in Gosforth, St. Nicholas Hospital, Northumberland Gardens and Jesmond Dene Conservation Areas
provides conservation advice to owners of buildings, developers and planning officers
prepares Conservation Area Character Statements and management plans
Undertakes work on the City Commemorative Plaques Scheme
provides the conservation advisory service to Castle Morpeth Borough Council