Aesthetics, architecture and heritage
Planning application 14/13247 ( Sept 2015 )
Not iconic, failing to preserve and enhance local character
Historic England (Built environment)'s latest report states:
" the proposals would still cause harm to the setting of the listed buildings on the site, and detract from the setting of the Market House. Historic England considers that the development would detract from the Kingston Old Town Conservation Area and the Fairfield/Knight’s Park Conservation Areas, failing to meet the statutory test to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of locally and nationally designated heritage assets."
> Click here for Historic Englands latest assessment
We couldn't have put this better ourselves and agree with Historic England that the harm this development will cause to both the listed buildings and Kingstons other historical assets, is just not justified.
Whilst we all know that post war development in Kingston has left its scars and the higher rise development from this period is not notable in any way, that is no reason to lower our sights or standards. Kingston has a unique identity and this site deserves a unique design solution. The proposal should be in line with the Eden quarter Development brief which calls for "especially high quality of design" and an "exemplar standard of design for taller buildings." This proposal does not represent distinctive or successful architecture, which by its very nature would react with both the modern and historic buildings from the surrounding area. The viability of this site should not result in the council accepting a development that would otherwise be unacceptable.
" the proposals would still cause harm to the setting of the listed buildings on the site, and detract from the setting of the Market House. Historic England considers that the development would detract from the Kingston Old Town Conservation Area and the Fairfield/Knight’s Park Conservation Areas, failing to meet the statutory test to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of locally and nationally designated heritage assets."
> Click here for Historic Englands latest assessment
We couldn't have put this better ourselves and agree with Historic England that the harm this development will cause to both the listed buildings and Kingstons other historical assets, is just not justified.
Whilst we all know that post war development in Kingston has left its scars and the higher rise development from this period is not notable in any way, that is no reason to lower our sights or standards. Kingston has a unique identity and this site deserves a unique design solution. The proposal should be in line with the Eden quarter Development brief which calls for "especially high quality of design" and an "exemplar standard of design for taller buildings." This proposal does not represent distinctive or successful architecture, which by its very nature would react with both the modern and historic buildings from the surrounding area. The viability of this site should not result in the council accepting a development that would otherwise be unacceptable.
Page updated on 1 Oct 2015