As a heritage team we believe that sensitive, yet confident, change is fundamental to the evolution and appreciation of our historic environment. We will always identify and advocate ways which ensure change is not only policy-compliant, but also maximises the opportunities for our clients.

Dr. James Weir

Technical Director

MA(Oxon) DPhil PgDipSurv PgCertArchHist IHBC FRSA. Literae Humaniores

Since joining tor&co in 2023, James has overseen the expansion of the heritage team and its project reach, including input to multi-scale schemes in the residential, renewables and leisure sectors and advice on World Heritage Sites. He has also represented tor&co at planning inquiries and hearings, and provided heritage input to the Pre-application and Examination stages of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

James has a twenty-year background in historic environment consultancy, starting off in building surveying roles in private practice and for the National Trust. He has also held a senior position at a local planning authority and held board and other committee positions for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

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James's Projects

Blenheim Palace

As a World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is rightly acknowledged as one of the most significant buildings and estates in the UK. The extent of its designations adds considerable complexity to navigating the path to development in and around the WHS. As well as providing heritage and archaeological advice on the estate’s residential projects, I have also provided strategic heritage advice through the Pre-application and Examination stages of the Botley West solar scheme, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. I am also working on the forthcoming revision of the WHS Management Plan.

Parnham House

This secluded and captivating grade I-listed Dorset manor house and its grade II*-listed stables were destroyed by a fire in 2017. Since then, the building, which includes alterations by John Nash and sits within a grade II*-registered park and garden, has been roofless and continues to deteriorate. Having been involved with the site since 2020, I am now providing multiple strands of heritage input on a complex, but essential, project to rescue and restore the building. These include advising on structural repairs; appropriate paths to restoring the fabric and internal spaces; new design elements; and a proportionate enabling development scheme.

Port Lympne

Standing high above the marshes of east Kent, this grade II*-house, built for Sir Philip Sassoon in 1913, sits within a grade II* registered park and garden and is a superb example of the Cape Dutch Revival style. Since 1976 the house is has been the centre of a wild animal park, meaning that the house and the estate have had to evolve continually to meet the needs of both animals and visitors. I have overseen heritage input to two diversification projects in this high-graded context, including the renewal of a planning application for a wedding/function pavilion and the development of glamping pods.