Historic England (Built Environment) Jan 2016 response
Planning application 14/13247 ( Jan 2016 )
To see the H.E response to the previous submission click here
To see the H.E response to the previous submission click here
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Historic England's Jan 2016 concerns
"Further to our advice dated 13th May 2015, 30th September 2015 and 15th October 2015, we can offer you the following comments. Historic England welcomes the alterations that have been made to the scheme since the refusal of the earlier proposals by your Council’s planning committee. The reduction in the height and bulk of the proposed building between the former Post Office and Telephone Exchange, in conjunction with the restoration and reuse of the two listed buildings, has addressed concerns regarding the harm that the scheme would have caused to the significance of these two important heritage assets. In our view the more harmonious relationship that the latest iteration of the building on Ashdown Road will have with its listed neighbours and wider context illustrates the value of the guidance on heights in the Eden Quarter SPD. The revised palette of materials and architectural detailing of the brick and stonework across the scheme are also welcomed. The proposed architectural detailing provides a more contextual response beside the listed Telephone Exchange and Post Office, and Kingston town centre more generally. Were the Council minded to approve the scheme we would strongly recommend conditions regarding the detailed design and materials, as the illustration of the materials provided risks creating a flat – mass produced – finish which may not match the quality suggested by the other images submitted. In particular we would suggest that sample panels are matched to neighbouring buildings, such as the listed former post office and the locally designated houses on the southern side Wheatfield Way, in terms of variety of colours, texture, brick bond and pointing colour." |
"However, despite these positive changes not all of our concerns have been addressed. We welcome the further detailed design development that has taken place, particularly on the Brook Street elevation, of the 16 storey corner building, but this has not significantly mitigated the impact of the height of the building in the setting of the Market Place and Market house. Our comments dated 15th October 2015 (attached for reference) set out in detail why we consider the presence of the tower element harmful in the setting of the Market House. If the glazed storeys at the top of the building were to be removed we believe the impact on the setting of the Market House and Market Place would be almost negligible. Similarly, for most of the mid-range and longer views the tall building would become subservient to existing landmarks, while still serving the landmark function desired in the Eden Quarter SPD in views from the south. Were this mitigation achieved we would regard the potential heritage benefits of repairing and providing a new viable use for the listed buildings to be very significant in the context of any residual harm. In conclusion, while the revised proposal would have a better relationship to its context than the previous designs, we consider the top of the 16 storey element would still cause harm to the setting of significant heritage assets notably in the Market Place. For this reason, despite the other positive changes, we do not consider that the scheme complies fully with the NPPF or the Council’s policies relating to heritage, design or this town centre. We acknowledge that this site would clearly benefit from development and as a key part of the Eden Quarter Masterplan, we encourage your Council to resolve the outstanding issues identified above." |
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Background
Historic England responded to previous submissions with their concerns. They noted amendments made to the scheme, but remained concerned about the impacts on the settings of heritage assets. They recognize this application is of great importance as it will signal both the determination of the council to provide an effective framework and will set the benchmark for the quality of future development over the next few years. |
About Historic England
Historic England, formerly English Heritage, is the UK government's statutory adviser and a statutory consultee on all aspects of the historic environment and its heritage assets Applications for planning permission are required to consult or notify Historic England where the development would affect the setting of a Grade I or Grade II listed building among other reasons. Historic England's statutory remit is the impact of development proposals on the historic environment. |
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