Cottage, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells
Supporting a new construction near a listed building requires careful consideration and justification. Mark was asked to provide a Heritage Statement to support a proposal for an outbuilding on a plot of land adjacent a listed building and in a conservation area.
The scheme needed detailed research and reasoning to ensure the new building preserved the setting of a 17th Century listed cottage in the Bidborough Conservation Area. The setting was particularly sensitive as the cottage was sited immediately against the South Lychgate to the Parish Church of Saint Lawrence.
The Bidborough Conservation Area designation focused on the historic core of the rural village settlement and included the historic cottages on the High Street and St Lawrence’s Church. The cottage occupied a key location within the village and was considered to contribute positively to the conservation area.
A statement of significance and a justification for the proposals was provided taking into account national policy. Mark was able to evidence his view that the new outbuilding would not harm views to or from the conservation area. He was also able to show how the development would not harm the setting of the listed cottage. The Heritage Statement demonstrated how it complied with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Local Development Framework, Core Strategy.
New build adjacent a significant listed building in a conservation area does not exclude all possibility of construction, but requires careful consideration and justification to preserve the heritage assets.
Mark was able to provide a Heritage Statement adhering to national and local guidance. Contact Mark if you are planning something similar or want advice.
