conservation area Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Mark Price Theatre and Heritage

New shopfronts

March 10, 2024 by Mark Price

Lower Clapton, Hackney

Mark was asked to provide a Heritage Statement in support of the installation of two new shopfronts in a shopping parade in Lower Clapton, Hackney.

The report formed part of a planning application submission for two shops. The property was designated within the Clapton Square Conservation Area. Supporting alterations to properties in a well-preserved conservation area requires careful consideration and justification.

The scheme needed careful justification as a previous application had been dismissed at appeal. The design was carefully considered to maintain the proportions of the historic building and to make it fit for purpose.

Additional research was undertaken. Early maps showed that the purpose built shopping parade with residential accommodation above was constructed around 1888. An early photograph of the terrace, taken about the turn of the century, showed the area as an important shopping district.

Mark was able to justify the proposals and the design of the new shopfronts. These maintained that the alterations caused no harm to the conservation area. An assessment and statement of significance was provided, taking into account national policy.

Conservation area designation does not exclude all possibility of alterations to properties within the area, but requires that it preserves or enhances the character or appearance. The report also had to take into account the Council’s Local Plan as well as its Shopfront Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document.

Mark was able to provide a Heritage Statement adhering to national and local guidance.

Listed building setting

October 2, 2023 by Mark Price

Townhouse, Devizes

Supporting new structures in the curtilage of a listed building requires careful consideration and justification. Mark was asked to provide a Heritage Statement to support a proposal for an outbuilding in the rear garden of a Grade II* listed townhouse in Devizes.

The scheme needed detailed research and reasoning to ensure the new freestanding timber outbuilding preserved the setting of the 18^th Century highly graded townhouse. The property was also designated with the Devizes Conservation Area. An assessment of the setting of the townhouse and an understanding of the history and development of the area was undertaken. The setting was particularly sensitive as the property had a formally laid out and planted back garden that contributed to the asset’s significance. There were other heritage assets in the vicinity which needed to be taken into account.

Mark worked with the owner to ensure that the new outbuilding was designed to respect the character and appearance of the conservation area and the precincts of the properties setting. The design, location, scale and materials were carefully considered and selected.

A statement of significance and a justification for the proposals was provided taking into account national policy. Mark was able to show how the development would not harm the setting of the listed property. The Heritage Statement demonstrated how it complied with heritage and design policies within the Wiltshire Core Strategy.

New buildings within conservation areas and the curtilage of a listed building 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.

Side extension, conservation area

June 1, 2023 by Mark Price

House in Henley-on-Thames.

Supporting extensions to a property in a well-preserved conservation area requires careful consideration and justification. Mark was asked to support a proposal and provide a Heritage Statement for the demolition of an existing conservatory and the erection of a single storey side extension.

The scheme needed careful justification to ensure the proposals preserved the Remenham Henley Bridge Conservation Area. The property was described in a local newspaper at the time as being a ‘riverside residence in great demand in this favourite locality’.

The style of the house had its roots in the Arts & Crafts movement and ‘Old English’ fashions. Timber frame or ‘half-timbering’ revival superseded the high Victorian style of architecture typically characterised by the Gothic Revivalism of the mid-19th century.

Mark was able to justify the proposals and the design of the side extension. These maintained that the alterations caused no harm to the conservation area. An assessment and statement of significance was provided, taking into account national policy.

Conservation area designation does not exclude all possibility of alterations to properties within the area. It requires that it preserves or enhances the character or appearance. The report also had to take into account the Council’s Adopted Core Strategy Development Plan as well as its Borough Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document.

Mark was able to provide a Heritage Statement adhering to national and local guidance.