LISTED BUILDINGS
Historic buildings and their settings are unique and often irreplaceable assets, whose significance is increasingly seen as key to future development and design
Here you will find a selection of previous projects and assignments where we have carried out work on:
- Residential
- Commercial & Leisure property (offices, shops, hotels and public houses)
- Education and rural (including schools, colleges, community centres and farms)
- Town centres,
Heritage statements are prepared to influence suitable design proposals and support planning and listed building applications for extensions, alterations and conversions.
(Design note)
TOTAL Of 34 Projects given here as examples.
LISTED BUILDINGS
EXAMPLE 1
L1
Trent Park (Enfield)
Trent Park is the site of a late eighteenth-century landscape park, lakes and woodland, once within the medieval hunting forest of Enfield Chase, and developed throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries with gardens and pleasure grounds on the sides of Trent Park House (the Mansion House).
The four key periods of the Mansion House development and garden-making were during the ownership of Richard Jebb (1780s), John Cumming (early 1800s), Francis Bevan (mid-late nineteenth century), and Philip Sassoon (1908–39).
We pulled together a vast and mixed collection of primary and secondary sources to help prepare sections of the built heritage assessment. This underpinned the master planning of the building and its grounds, ensuring Berkeley Homes could progress their development plans whilst retention of the built and landscape elements of significance were guaranteed.
L2
Albert Court (adjacent to Royal Albert Hall)
Albert Court is a late 19th century (Hemings), listed mansion block fronting Kensington Gore, located to the north of Prince Consort Road. As it is directly south of Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, the proposal to adjust windows on the lower basement level needed careful consideration.
Whilst the general sense of Albert Court is as an imposing yet restrained classically-influenced façade, incremental changes made in the last quarter of the 20th century have seen the introduction of new doors to window openings, new stairwells, railings and handrails.
The advice initially required an assessment of the architectural and historic significance of the listed building and the surrounding Knightsbridge Conservation Area, where it was found that open areas around the edges of buildings in the form of lightwells are a common part of the built environment.
In using such contextual information alongside the judgement that the sub-basement aspect of the building is largely invisible, proposals were qualified to remodel windows on a section of the northern vaults.
L3
Albany apartments
A heritage assessment supported the refurbishment at these exclusive apartments (adjacent to Royal Academy) which are a unique example of a type of domestic arrangement.
The Albany was built in 1771–76 by Sir William Chambers for the newly created 1st Viscount Melbourne as Melbourne House. It is a three-storey mansion, seven bays wide, with a pair of service wings flanking a front courtyard.
In 1802 it was converted by Henry Holland into 69 bachelor apartments (known as „sets”). This was achieved by subdividing the main block and its two service wings, and by adding two new parallel long buildings covering most of the garden, running as far as a new rear gate building on Burlington Gardens. Additions and removals altered the character of the individual sets over time but, in essence, the strong plan form is maintained for the main rooms.
The Heritage assessment identified areas of significance that should be retained whilst proposals to ‘freshen up’ a “set” were reviewed. At the same time the opportunity to reintroduce missing architectural elements was realised.
L4
*REFERENCE* (Ian Coomber)
The Granary and Bakery (Royal Clarence Yard, Portsmouth)
A statement was produced to support an application for Listed Building Consent to reintroduce timber struts into the roof structure of one flat.
Whilst much of The Granary and Bakery (built 1827 – 32) was converted to apartments in the mid-2000’s, they still stand as good survivals of the expansion of the victualing yard and the industrialisation of the food production developed after the Napoleonic wars. The bakery is the sole surviving intact naval bakery in Britain and is the oldest of its type.
The surviving fabric of the building shows that the principal rooms were on the ground floor. The well-proportioned upper areas contained space for storage of products prior to distribution. The oak beams and cast-iron columns which form the rafters and struts give an interesting example of structural intent and function.
Following an understanding of the buildings architectural composition, it was determined that the elements which constitute the historic roof structure of the building, would be reconstructed to match the profile, detail and dimensions of those surviving in an adjoining corridor. An inconspicuous method of fixing was found to be the best way of joining the new element to the old and was an appropriate manner for meeting Council concerns.
L5
THE BOATHOUSE, Teddington
A Heritage statement was needed to support the planning application for conversion of ground floor and extension to the riverside elevation of the listed property, located in the Teddington Lock Conservation Area.
In seeking to improve the working conditions for the existing office tenants,
the viability of the proposal hinged on measures to restore two historic arches so as to improve the presentation of this heritage feature of the building to the public.
L6
Pembroke Square, Kensington
A heritage statement was commissioned with the purpose of supporting an application for a replacement extension and basement to the main building and a new mews building. Our historical research allowed us to identify the significant elements of the building.
An initial assessment appraised the proposed in relation to the building line and footprint of the other adjacent buildings with rear extensions. We reached the conclusions that a proposal would be complimentary and if designed sympathetically would tidy up the uncomfortable alignment that currently exists.
Understanding this history of change allowed us to make the case for alterations to the interior. Design of a basement would be not visible from surrounding properties or the subject building, and architects were advised that by being constructed independently to the historic fabric, it would have no impact on the listed building.
A well articulated extension that would present itself discretely to the gardens and to Earls Walk was considered a viable feature that would draw attention to the quality of the listed building behind and those to the sides.
L7
Abbotts Farmhouse, Widford, Essex
Works to a Grade II listed farmhouse, which included internal refurbishment and planning for a new orangery required early heritage considerations. The initial assessment surveyed the quality and character of many original timber beams and windows, noting later additions as being areas where change would be possible.
Planning permission for the upgrade of the existing timber framed windows from single to double glazing was gained, as the Council treated the project as the test case for upgrading to double glazed windows for the Borough as a whole.
L8
*REFERENCE* (Dr Dr. Amynah Goawalla & Patrick Owens, Zulu Fish)
Cromwell Road, Kensington
A statement supported the planning application submitted to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to remodel the space of the basement floor of the flat. Proposals to amalgamate two flats at the front and rear to one self-contained flat were guided to respect the character of the basement and the buildings hierarchy whilst restoring the space to one dwelling as it was historically.
Our research on the phased development of the internal spaces informed the design of the proposed and facilitated the conversion back into one dwelling that would reflect the layout of the 1920’s. The schemes success was measured on the principle of restoring the walls and spaces to as close to the original as possible.
L9
*REFERENCE* (Ian Coomber)
No’s 137-139 High Street, Epsom
No’s 137-139, is a late 17th Century building where Samuel Pepys tells us that Nell Gwynne and her patron Lord Buckhurst in the 166O’s „did keep a merry house”.
A well massed front elevation with hipped tile roof and wide eaves provide a coherent facade. The use of stucco as external render is synonymous with the revival of the Greek style in the Mid-19th century and refers to the continuing use of plaster on influential houses in and around the Home Counties and London. Together with a string of listed buildings the property is an important part of the historic character and appearance of the Epsom Conservation Area.
Under pressure to improve its internal usage as a medical centre our work demonstrated to the Council that the architectural quality of the Georgian frontage would be untouched and features identified as important to the listed building would be retained, including fireplaces, timber beams and windows.
Retail/Commercial
L10
Bolton Market Hall,
A Heritage statement was prepared to support design proposals for changes to the listed Victorian market building, including conversion of basement vaults to retail/ restaurant space.
The 1980’s 'Market Place’ shopping centre on the north is connected through a circular atrium structure to the 'Market Hall’ from 1851, a functioning lively market. In the early 2000’s the market place was extended into the Market Hall over two levels with the 1980’s atrium both linking and dividing the two.
The extension was viewed by English Heritage as an unsatisfactory intervention as it compromised the sense of space and the dual axes of the original Hall.
Lying underneath the Market Hall and neglected in the previous conversion lay the 19th century brick Vaults, built as storage for the market above. The main primary impacts we were asked to assess were their opening up and integration.
We found the proposed design recognised the potential for allowing the historic continuum to be progressed in a way that had little impact on the significance of the building. We felt it positive that a better use of the building could be created that is compatible with the current fabric. Consent was gained on the basis that works to alter the building would not harm its special interest and enabled a greater appreciation of the building in modern times.
L11
(The Lawn) Paddington Station
In 2015 a multi-million-pound regeneration project saw Network Rail and English Heritage with shared objectives to balance the need for improved footfall against the preservation of historic structure.
As part of plans to remodel an internal retail space (The Lawn), a historic summary and listed building impact assessment were carried out.
One of Britain’s most important early Victorian railway stations, designed by Isambard Brunel and Matthew Wyatt, it is significant for its striking spans and cathedral-like transepts.
The scheme followed on from the Master plan of 1999 which had returned the splendour and clarity of the original design by removing ad-hoc additions to reveal the original structure. The key addition to the station was The Lawn (once the stationmaster’s garden), a double height structure of glass and concrete at the station’s south end.
Our heritage input was to work with the designers in providing an initial historic building impact assessment for the pre – app; this was followed by a summary of architectural and historic significance of the Lawn and a design and heritage impact assessment of proposals.
The work enabled Paddington Lawn to improve its brand as a top spot for station retailing and dining whilst integrating modern design with original period station architecture.
L12
*REFERENCE* (Ian
Coomber)
Swan and Sugarloaf Public House, Croydon
A Heritage statement was prepared to support the planning application and drawings to convert the upper stories of the ‘hotel’ into 5 contemporary flats.
The Swan is a locally listed building in the South End Local Area of Special Character. Built in the Revival style it is a good example of the type of respectable design which breweries were increasingly required to produce as magistrates tightened up the issue of licenses towards the end of the 1890s pub boom.
It is distinguished by the unchanged appearance of red brick walls in Flemish bond with the upper storeys finished in white painted roughcast and with clay tiled roofs and a pair of tall moulded chimney stacks. With the exception of the recent conversion to Tesco at Ground floor the only real changes were to the reordering of the hotel rooms (1960/70’s).
Our heritage advice ensured that the design for the new internal rearrangement, would incorporate elements of the old building that give it character. So, we guided the architects and planning consultants that part of the early floor plan, two staircases, some early examples of historic windows, a chimney breast and a fireplace should be retained.
L13
*REFERENCE* (Guy Ramsden,
Partner – Bidwells)
Bressingham Hall Farm, Diss
We advised on the potential for the adaptation of farm buildings around Bressingham Hall, a Grade 2 listed Georgian style mansion house, built in 1780.
The adjacent Farm is a complex of residential and agricultural buildings sited within open countryside to the west of the market town, Diss.
The farm is no longer operational and the site is dominated by a number of vacant modern utilitarian agricultural buildings as well as a historic granary building.
A heritage assessment illustrated to the Council how a scheme for a new ‘wedding venue’ could be sympathetic to existing character and appearance of the listed building, setting and wider landscape.
The case was made to the Local authority that the significance of the historic barn and the listed Hall building would not be harmed through replacement and select new-build and conversion of other ancillary farm buildings.
L14
Thorncroft Farm, Leatherhead;
An assessment evaluated the opportunity for the client to convert an existing agricultural building to provide staff accommodation for an on-site enterprise.
Our historical research allowed us to identify the significant elements of the farm group and explain how the history of change in its layout had led to the loss of some buildings and others being added. The research concluded that the context of two listed barns and the landscape setting of a historic manor ensured correct scale and vernacular was followed.
Thorncroft Farm represents a multi-phase group of buildings, an arrangement which historically suited the mixture of grass and arable activity pursued by the farmer.
Our advice recommended that the new building relates to the scale and size of the structure of the listed Barn and Stables and that the roof profile be angled to reflect the pitch of their hipped roofs. Looking at local precedents, the case was made that the cladding of the new in natural wooden boarding would relate well to the historic and architectural character of the Barn and the Stables.
L15
Middleton Towers, Lancashire
The statement was prepared to assess proposals to construct a flood defence system in the close proximity to Middleton Towers, a listed sandstone rubble ‘folly’ on the Lancashire coastline. As part of a group of three early Victorian buildings located on the land edge to the sea, we assessed the Tower’s architectural and historical significance, concluding with a qualified appraisal of the changes against design and policy criteria.
After being a Holiday Camp and owned by Pontins from 1955 until its closure in 1994, the land became a half complete gated ‘retirement’ community.
These changes in occupation have had mixed impacts on the Tower’s setting and its understanding in a local context.
The evaluation determined how the construction of a new flood defence scheme could, if designed sensitively to the setting, preserve and enhance the special character of the Towers and its landscape. The development would see change managed discretely so that the impact of development upon the setting of the Tower was minimised (or screened) to the point whereby there would be no impact; that is a neutral impact.
TOWNSCAPE ASSESSMENT/ DESIGN IN CONTEXT TA
TA1
72-80 Leather Lane
72 – 80 Leather Lane is within the Hatton Garden Conservation Area, whose townscape is recognised as representing a significant example of planning in the old City of London. The area was established in the 13th century by the Ely estate and continually expanded through to the mid-19th century, leaving a legacy of jewellery shops, warehouses, old brewing works and churches to mark its distinctive character.
Our desk based and site work assessed the significance of this building to the Conservation Area and how the historical context of Hatton Garden and the rise of an industrial quarter based on the development of variously sized buildings is a relevant factor in design.
We carefully evaluated the impact of the proposals on the setting of adjacent designated assets and our report stated that the proposed one storey extension responded well to the architectural integrity of surrounding buildings at roof level. Due to its subtlety in scale and appearance, it blended well with the interesting skyline started at the Prudential Assurance building at the southern end of the street and ending at the Bourne Estate on the north side.
TA2
KETTERING DESIGN GUIDE
Undertook research and made assessments to create a shop front design guide in Kettering, with the aim of informing the design of new and the repair of existing shop fronts in Burton Latimer and the Market Place Conservation Area.
The commission involved research of local sources and on-site surveys to create a Gazateer. Historical information on shops was followed by an analysis of the quality of surviving shopfronts and an assessment of their character.
In summary, the town centre offered much interest, with buildings testifying to Kettering’s transformation from medieval market town to Victorian industrial centre, with Georgian frontages interspersed with grand Victorian Banks, public houses and the occasional smart 1930s classical or modern interloper.
Analysis determined what degree of intervention may be needed from minor repairs, restoration and replacement. In addition, designs were recommended for the improvement of several existing shops following the advice contained in the generic guide.
TA3
New annex
Madani Girls School, Poplar, London
A Heritage Statement was prepared to form part of the planning application for the development of an annex to the rear of the late 19th century school in Tower Hamlets.
Described by Pevsner as a „unique, outstanding design” the building features two semi-circular staircase towers with a copper dome. The listing reflects the flamboyant nature of the architecture, as opposed to the more composed treatment given to the Georgian terrace buildings in the surrounding area.
The use of red brick work around the widows represented the continuing use of such brick for influential buildings in late Victorian urban centres. Interesting architectural elements of the exterior include the remains of details such as stucco bands, the recessed arched windows and the stucco.
The proposal involved no demolition and the erection of one new building on the site of the rear car park/ amenity area. Whilst the new building would be enclosed on three sides by existing boundary walls, our work assured Tower Hamlets there would be no absence of impact on historic fabric and that scale and massing would be sympathetic to the host building.
TA4
Before
Before
After
No’s 30-34 Moorgate, City REFERENCE (John Watson)
We acted as the Heritage consultant for the reclad, refurbishment and extension of offices with retail at ground, in Bank conservation area (consent 2016).
Instructed to assess the significance of this building to the Conservation Area, our research considered how the historical context of 18th century Moorgate and the rise of an urban settlement based on the development of plots interweaved around a medieval system of lanes and narrow courts is a considerable factor in development. The area’s-built heritage is typified by substantial well modelled stone buildings of unifying neoclassical designs.
No’s 30 – 34 is an 8-storey grey granite clad building with a two-storey mansard roof at the top level. The 1980’s building was noted by Pevsner as looking as if it were a facsimile of „Some office chamber of 1880”. Adjacent buildings at No.1 Moorgate Place and No’s 36 – 44 Moorgate have high quality decorative elevations which we advised should inspire the selection of design at no’s 30 – 34.
The proposal to strip the building back to its structural frame and re-clad with Portland stone and bronze coloured windows was supported by our understanding of the immediate heritage and architectural influences. Our assessment of the impact on the setting of adjacent designated assets were an important part of the evaluation process for planning.
Summary of building characteristics
TA5
Melsons Arms, Luton
Preparation of a supporting statement for a scheme to regenerate a site in Central Luton (within the Plaiter’s Lea Conservation Area) with 18 flats. Against the background of many listed buildings and the historical context of the 'hatting industry’ (19th/ 20th centuries) the proposals were found to provide an enhancement to the area’s character and appearance.
As a locally listed building within the Conservation Area, the assessment of the Melson Arms considered the internal and external characteristics of the building. The case for its demolition was based on it not being a good example of a Late Victorian building nor for having the potential for conversion or re-use.
Our work considered the issue of sympathetic development, as many mid-late 20th century schemes had led to buildings being demolished or refurbished with little thought to urban quality and historic integrity. In addition, the immediate area of the centre is constrained through having many ‘old’ small units, not easily adaptable or useable.
The ‘Heritage-led’ approach to change led to the creation (2014) of a new space and buildings in keeping with the historic urban context.
TA6
Acton Central Railway Hall
The former station building, The Station House is next to the Acton Central railway station and is within the Acton Town Centre Conservation Area.
This area was established in the Late-Victorian period as a thriving commercial centre whose success was celebrated by the quality of the public buildings, especially the group around the Town Hall and along the High Street.
With plans to make an external change to the first-floor landing at the front of the station building, the initial research demonstrated the architectural and historical significance of the Station House and more importantly the local skyline and material appearance of buildings.
In our impact assessment, the heritage statement gave credit to the means in which the new balustrade was drawn, as it would complement the unity of upper storey developments seen in local architecture. The retention of specific elements such as window arches, stone balustrade and fascia would preserve the character of the station building as well as relate to listed (alms-houses) and unlisted buildings in its context. Finally, the schemes overall suitability rested on the scale, design and detailing being sympathetic to the historic character of Railway buildings.
MASTERPLANNING/ REGENERATION
MP1
Red Brick Estate (Old Street, Islington)
A residential and mixed-use development being promoted through a Planning Framework was part of the London Borough of Islington’s programme to create new homes on council-owned land. The Redbrick Estate, constructed in the late 1970’s as flats spread over three buildings, had become unsafe and an unattractive element of the public realm.
The growth in the early nineteenth century had set the urban layout for the area, with a loose Georgian grid of streets, alleyways and squares. The listed St Luke’s Church is a major feature of this period.
Today’s urban form is typified by imposing areas of social housing, laid out and built in contrast to the prevailing street pattern and formal historic townscape. Architectural styles range from Georgian and Victorian to the mid-war and the more contemporary.
Sudden shifts in scale and building heights and a poor relationship between facades and public domain, gave the immediate townscape poor context.
A heritage statement was prepared to qualify the improvements to the outward looking manner of the estate including the new buildings and community spaces. Our work reviewed the historic and architectural identity of the site, the importance of the setting next to St. Luke’s Church, before concluding with an assessment of the design impacts on the heritage significance. (Planning 2015)
MP2
The Kasbah, Grimsby Fish Docks
The Kasbah is an area of historic buildings set within the heart of Grimsby’s Fish Docks. It contains the highest concentration of surviving smoke houses in the country as well as shops and warehouses that were built to service the fishing industry. A number of these buildings are statutorily listed.
Much of the Fish dock had become (by 2012) redundant, meaning there were many vacant or under-utilised buildings in a poor condition.
Initial interest (by The Princes Regeneration Trust) in the listed Ice Factory placed a spotlight onto the wider Docks and Kasbah area and the potential for intervention before the site’s significance is lost. Therefore, an assessment was commissioned to help inform the regeneration proposals by summarising the history and significance of the Kasbah. The report analysed the buildings and provided recommendations on an appropriate degree of change that will allow regeneration whilst maintaining the area’s unique character and significance
We worked with a larger team on the analysis of (un) listed buildings and historic spaces, helping to identify the scale and type of redevelopment options including repair, renewal and replacement.
Consequently, the Docks received protection in October 2017 as a Conservation Area, thereby ensuring that plans to transform the entire town could be made without detracting from the significance of the Kasbah.
MP3
Chatham Interface, Medway,
Advice and project coordination for the master planning of the area, on behalf of mixed use property developers.
The site is adjacent to Chatham Historic Dockyard and Chatham Maritime, an area that was a base for the Royal Navy for more than 400 years and is the world’s most complete historic dockyard from the age of sail. Representing an important transition between the age of sail and the age of steam, its closure in 1984 left a largely unoccupied area of buildings, land and water.
The site’s heritage is bounded by the River Medway, with listed Slip buildings, a selection of Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Brunel’s Sawmill all within its catchment.
The objective to ensure new commercial and residential spaces was balanced against constraints regarding building heights, archaeology and listed buildings; The master plan related to a range of important townscape features, historic context, the creation and preservation of views and vistas and the quality of boundary treatments and well maintained public spaces. Masterplan was later adopted by Medway University.
MP4
Alimosho C1ty Plan 2012 (Nigeria)
Working with the Master Planning team on developing a vision for Alimosho, our work involved the research and assessment of the State’s cultural heritage as witnessed through remaining buildings.
The study area comprised 14 settlements that share similar cultural practises and physical features, derived from the Aworis and Yewas tribes.
Our study found there were few landmarks with historic and architectural importance, as the urban landscape of Alimosho is heavily dependent on 20th century public buildings such as transport terminals, schools and formal markets.
There was also a disproportionate spread of buildings and monuments, with mosques, churches, praying grounds, shrines, palaces and Town halls located in specific areas.
To aid academic, administration and development control purposes,
the classification, inventory and record of the historic built environment enabled future plans to consider the heritage asset. Capacity building at the end of the project cycle focused on Plan Implementation with seminars, workshops and field trips held in the UK.
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLANS AND STATEMENTS
CM 1
53 Gordon Square, University College London
The School of Oriental and African Studies commissioned a conservation statement in order to understand, assess the importance of, and identify the need for specific policies for the management of the site.
As part of the relocation of the world-renowned Chinese ceramics collection to a new gallery at the British Museum, the Percival David Foundation wished to review their options for the vacant space left by the transfer. Our assessment studied the complexity of the buildings history, focusing on change in uses/ ownership, characters (‘Bloomsbury Group’) linked with it and evolutionary changes to the physical fabric.
53 Gordon Square was part of a symmetrical terrace of four houses, built under direction of Thomas Cubitt. There are two phases of development in the building plan, with residential quarters being present in the period from 1851 to 1951 and the Gallery areas being dominant from 1951. Its interior character given by the mix of original features and later additions is of interest.
Damage from inappropriate or ill-planned repair and alteration were identified as being a potential threat to its cultural significance. The statement concluded that future changes should respect the historic character and appearance of the principal internal spaces, as well as their historic plan form as developed up to 1900.
CM2
Before
After
Lancaster Royal Grammar School
A Conservation Management Plan was prepared to understand the historic/architectural significance of the 13th century school (listed building) and its estate, so as to give advice and support the future planning of the site.
We undertook a full appraisal of historic development of the site and architecturally important buildings, defining the varying significance of parts, so as to inform a description of vulnerabilities and issues. Assessed and set out policies for its future re-development in a report that formed part of an area masterplan (by Arup).
Whilst wishing to modernise its built stock, the objective of Lancaster Royal Grammar School was to restore and maintain the 19th century buildings and walls and carry out regular inspections and repair work as and when necessary.
The policies recognised that the fabric formed a structural sequence that allowed for phased plans of the building to be drawn, highlighting original elements that contribute towards an understanding of the workings of a Victorian Grammar school. We were then able to show how the educational and heritage value of the asset would be enhanced through creating new buildings which pay respect to the existing built hierarchy and facilitate greater understanding of the historic continuum.
CM3
Bancroft Gardens Conservation Plan, Hitchin
The objective of the Conservation Plan was to inform the restoration of a historic park to meet the objectives laid out by the ‘Parks for People’ Lottery programme.
The reinstatement of the parks heritage was seen (by North Herts District Council) as a major factor underpinning the enhancement of the space for townspeople. An assessment of the history of the site was followed by an assessment of the cultural, historic and architectural importance of its 20th century buildings and associated features.
The towns position next to a small stream (the River Hiz) had benefited its wool and malting trade and subsequent prosperity in early times. It accounts for the fact that Hitchin is one of the oldest continuously occupied urban centres in Hertfordshire.
The restoration of the Bandstand, the front gates and pillars as well as the reinstatement of the River Hiz, historic orchards and willow (osier) would ensure that the historical use of the grounds for basket-making and the close connection with lavender and leather manufacture (tannery’s) would be referred to in the parks interpretation.
APPEALS/ HEARING/ WRITTEN REPS
A1.
COMMONWEAL LODGE, Purley, Croydon ?
Before
After
An unlisted building in the Webb Estate & Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Area, the future redevelopment of the Commonweal Lodge (former Victorian school) was subject to considerations of its value in the wider natural and built landscape.
As a residential suburban settlement, the historical importance of the Webb Estate, was based on the ’Garden First’ tradition that grew out of the influence of the Arts and Crafts and became the Garden City movement.
Whilst the significance of the Lodge depended on its visibility within a heavily landscaped area, it had been vacant for many years and suffered from worsening condition.
We considered the implications of cumulative change on the multi-period site and as later developments detracted from the buildings significance, so the case for its demolition was made. The Inspectorate were shown that the proposed was sympathetic and could work within the setting of local heritage assets, thereby facilitating greater appreciation of its significance.
We emphasized that in paying regards to Webb’s mantra that buildings should respect the landscape, the new was designed to appear as a ‘small holding within one large garden’. In this respect we claimed the replacement building will continue to play a part in the architectural and historic interest of the area.
A2
Carlton Tower Hotel, Cadogan Place, Kensington
Prepared a visual/ design appraisal for a Hearing, supporting the development of a screened outdoor enclosure to the Hotel.
Objections by Kensington and Chelsea on townscape and design factors required a rebuttal to the Planning Inspector on concerns about ‘built clutter’, negative impact on the street scene and views in the Hans Town Conservation Area.
Cadogan Place falls in the Sloane Street sub-area which encompasses a variety of ages and architecture, with the Queen Anne Style the most resonant. The Cadogan Hotel and Danish Embassy (1977) are landmarks within what is a fragmented street scene as individual buildings jostle for attention.
The Hotel is a large concrete building that dominates the skyline. It abuts Cadogan Place Gardens (on Register of Historic Parks and Gardens) and is characterized by regular window spacing on the upper levels and an unbalanced arrangement of architectural orders at lower levels, giving the ground floor a poor sense of enclosure.
Local view analysis found the proposals to have no impact on the key buildings that define the areas character. Our judgment on the vistas was that as the ground floor is not within the panorama of the Gardens so it would not affect its character.
A3
REFERENCE (Anna Shanley)
Ferry Road, Southwold,
The Council’s decision to refuse a replacement building hinged on the suitability of a new building in a conservation area where the setting of the sea, beach and town were important.
The key area of disagreement with the Council was that the proposal to demolish an outdated building would have an impact on the special architectural and historic interest of the Conservation Area. Our case was built on assessing the form, scale and appearance of the replacement dwelling and its relationship to the character and appearance of the street scene.
Our case relied on several arguments, highlighting the fact that a contemporary replacement continues the variety of buildings as seen along the road.
We argued the proposal responded to the special local characteristics by creating a scheme that is sympathetic with the varied built context. We urged the Inspector to acknowledge the streetscape perspective, where the replacement building would be subordinate to the character of the Conservation Area, allowing the staccato rhythm to remain and forming an integral built pivot between the sand dunes on one side and the marsh land on the other.
A4
CULFORD MANSIONS, Chelsea
We were instructed in respect of a roof extension which had been refused on the grounds of it representing an unwelcome structure that would harm the appearance and architectural integrity of the building and harm the character of the Sloane Square Conservation Area.
Following our research into the building and local streetscape we could not support the claim that the host building was a complete, harmonious whole, especially as the front street elevation was quite different from the subject rear area.
Proposal to finish the rear section with timber framed doors and steel balustrades were seen to complement the windows, brick façade and its general appearance. We emphasised how the extension would be visually subordinate to the original building, allowing the original form to still be clearly seen and read from an architectural point of view.
We concluded to the Inspector that the proposals were sensitively designed to ensure they relate well to both the host building and wider terrace. In conservation terms, the proposed development would not have a detrimental impact on the architectural character of the building or on the wider area.
CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS
C1
Bawtry Conservation Area Appraisal Doncaster Council, 2007
The purpose of the appraisal was to establish not only what is important and distinctive about the Conservation Area but also to identify which special characteristics were under threat. In this case the establishment of the East Midlands airport nearby posed potential threats to development in the market town.
After providing an assessment based on the English Heritage criteria, we were able to summarise the historic, spatial and built character of the area before describing its Special Interest.
Our assessments summarised that the gradual erosion of historic features had the potential to cause significant damage to the Conservation Area if not addressed through policy implementation, design guidance and effective maintenance.
The Management Proposals sets out how the distinctive quality of the ‘Area’ could be maintained and enhanced. The Appraisal was informed by physical survey, archival research and public consultation and helped shape a suite of recommendations to be used to support the planning process and direct the development process throughout the Conservation Area.
C2
Surbiton Conservation Area Appraisal
The work was commissioned to inform boundary review and to assess the possibility of incorporating adjoining conservation areas.
Our work assessed the fluctuating rhythm and enclosure created by the linear road layout that contrasts with adjoining streets of shorter terraces. The buildings along Brighton Road mark a transition in scale from the imposing properties on the main part of the shopping street to the small-scale development lining the roads leading to the river Thames.
The conservation area generally has a vertical grain with 4 storey buildings and
Early Victorian houses converted to commercial use in the 1870’s. Purpose built shopping parades in the Flemish style from the 1900’s survive as a disparate but harmonious group within a unified commercial townscape.
After giving considerProjecation to all edges of the conservation area, the boundary was extended on one road in order to ensure consistency and to maintain the building line and enclosure, and to have more control on design.
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C3
Halfway Street Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
The major crux of our involvement was to review the dated appraisal and to research (through survey and archive work) the special architectural or historic interest that justifies designation of Halfway Street Conservation Area. The work preceded the Olympics in 2012 and was commissioned by the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Department to identify development pressures being anticipated in the neighborhood.
Our research identified how the areas historic street pattern, layout and plot sizes underpin the growth of a village location. We were able to add to the local historic record by uncovering more information on the architectural and historic interest of the area’s buildings, including a 15th Century timber framed building, a 16th Century hall house on Halfway Street and a terrace of four workers cottages.
We assessed the positive contribution made by various buildings and spaces to the Conservation Area; giving credit to the landmark quality of Holy Trinity Church and the Church Hall that forms a gateway to the eastern end of the conservation area. The strong presence of trees and the strong visual quality of the parkland entrance were also noted for the attractive green edge they gave to Halfway Street.
FINITO