2021/1943/P SWAIN'SSWAIN'SSWAIN'S LANE LANELANE SWAIN'SSWAIN'SSWAIN'S LANE LANELANE
Highgate Cemetery Highgate Cemetery
Shelter
93.2m
Lodge
Mausoleum
88.1m
Monument
Mausoleum
89.7m
Columbarium Mausoleums
81 84.9m
St James Villa
184 to 210
157 to 183
Holly Lodge Mansions 123 to 156
89 to 122
55 to 78
28 to 54 81.6m TCB
78.6m 377 to 408 to 377
Holly Lodge Mansions 376 to 345
83.2m 321 to 344 to 321 2
This material has been reproduced from Ordnance Survey digital map data with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright.
Photos
Cemetery photographs
Artist’s impressions
Example of other work:
Analysis sheet Expiry Date: 17/06/2021 Delegated Report N/A / attached Consultation (Members Briefing) 29/05/2021 Expiry Date: Officer Application Number(s)
Antonia Powell 2021/1943/P
Application Address Drawing Numbers
Highgate Cemetery Swain's Lane London See draft decision notice N6 6PJ
PO 3/4 Area Team Signature C&UD Authorised Officer Signature
Proposal(s)
Erection of art installation for temporary period of up to three months.
Grant Planning Permission Recommendation(s):
Application Type: Full Planning Permission
Conditions: Refer to Draft Decision Notice Informatives: Consultations
Adjoining Occupiers: No. notified 00 No. of responses 04 No. of objections 03
Historic England: Statutory consultees Offered no comments.
A site Notice was displayed between 28/04/2021 and 22/05/2021, and a press notice published in the Ham & High on 28/04/2021. Three letters of objection and one letter of support were received.
The letters of objection related to the setting of designated heritage assets, and the appropriateness of this work of art in this location. They are reproduced below for reference:
Objection: The cemetery site is consecrated ground. A lift and tunnel were built to ensure bodies receiving funeral rites never touched un consecrated ground. This structure evokes a 'portal' to a 'red. Zone' which may be considered to be Hell due to its colours and flamed design. While encouraging artistic expression on such arenas this work could be considered the antithesis of "sympathetic" and indeed mocks tradition rather than provokes thought. Siting on non-consecrated ground may be an option but it is unlikely the original builders or their deceased clients would have permitted such a flagrant affront to their resting place. Tourists would be drawn by its notoriety to this mocking of tradition rather than note its respect for it.
Objection: Highgate Cemetery is not the right location for this sculpture. Waterlow Park is just across the road and would provide a far more suitable place for a work of this kind. The sculpture will neither preserve nor enhance the important Columbarium (colonnade structure) and as such it should not Summary of be located here, nor indeed anywhere in what is a very sensitive Grade 1 consultation listed site overall (with many Grade II Listed monuments and other responses: structures within the immediate vicinity).
Objection: This is yet another attempt of the management of the cemetery to increase the footfall and bring more visitors to the site that is intended to be a place of rest and peace. It is out of touch with the original purpose of burial site and inconsiderate of families and friends of those who rest there. If we change our perception of what burial sites are in terms of engagement with art, will it embolden those who think that cafe to be developed on site is an appropriate course of action? (Please note the Development Type is Commercial Minor Alterations). Why do we have nature reserves as a protected areas of importance for flora and fauna (where footfall and human presence is monitored) but we disregard humans? I agree with previous comment that Waterlow Park is a more suitable place for the sculpture.
One letter of support was received stating: …. writing in support of this project, from LUX, an arts organisation based in Waterlow Park which adjoins the cemetery. Phyllida Barlow CBE RA is an artist of great renown and is producing a site specific sculptural work responding to the context of Highgate Cemetery. This project will make a great contribution to the cultural life of the area in an outdoor covid-safe environment, as well as offering free public access to the work of a significant contemporary artist it will also offer new ways to reflect on and experience the courtyard of Highgate Cemetery, a space that is usually not accessible to general public outside of tours. Furthermore it offers an opportunity to experience the work of acclaimed arts institution Studio Voltaire outside of their space in South London.
Highgate CAAC: Offered no comments.
The Highgate Neighbourhood Forum: CAAC/Local groups* The Forum wrote in support of the application comments:
Highgate Society: No response.
Site Description The original Western Cemetery, opened 1839, was created by Geary's London Cemetery Company. The romantic layout, over approximately 17 acres, was designed by David Ramsay. The Cemetery is listed Grade I on the Historic England Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.
The West Cemetery is entered via a grand gateway in the Tudor Gothic style. With a central four-centred archway displaying a plaque inscribed "London Cemetery" and having the City of London Coat of Arms, above which a drip mould. The main entrance is flanked by two Chapels with two storey polygonal turrets having lancet windows and polygonal terminal features flank gateway and similar blind turrets at angles; a central two storey narrow canted bay window with pointed lights to each chapel and with crenellated parapets.
Subsidiary features include, attached to north and south facades of chapels, cast-iron traceried railings on brick sleeper walls with entrance gateways having octagonal stone piers with ogival finials and cast-iron traceried double gates.
Fig 1. Site of the proposed temporary artwork
When the eastern cemetery was opened, due to popular demand, in 1855 the Anglican chapel was fitted with a hydraulic bier which lowered coffins into a tunnel leading under the road to the new cemetery; much of this remains. All of these structures are Grade II listed.
The site is also within Highgate Conservation Area (also known as Highgate Village CA). The cemetery is also in a Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC) and is designated as Open Space / Metropolitan Open Land (MOL).
Relevant History There is planning history relating to works to the buildings and structures of the Western Cemetery Highgate. There is no relevant planning history relating to the display of art in this location.
Relevant policies NPPF 2019
London Plan 2021
Camden Local Plan 2017 D1 Design D2 Heritage A2 Open space A3 Biodiversity C3 Cultural and leisure facilities
Highgate Neighbourhood Plan OS1 Highgate’s Major Open Spaces DH2 Development Proposals in Highgate’s Conservation Areas
Camden Planning Guidance Artworks, statues and memorials 2019 Design 2021 Public open space 2021
Assessment
1.0 Heritage and design This application concerns the temporary display of “Stack” - a sculpture installation by the artist Phyllida Barlow CBE RA.
Fig 2. Artist’s impression
The piece is to be displayed within the cobbled courtyard which is entered through the gatehouse of the main entrance to the West Cemetery. This is a generous open space flanked by the Chapels of Highgate Cemetery and with a backdrop formed by the memorial Columbarium and the War Memorial. The open aspect will allow for the display to be fully appreciated while not impeding access.
The display of “Stack” is backed by Studio Voltaire, a leading not for profit arts based organisation and a registered charity. The art work will be accessible to all during Highgate Cemetery’s public opening hours and free of charge to visit.
The art-work is to be free standing and will not be fixed to the Cemetery fabric. It will be entirely reversible. Consent is sought for three months, with the installation of the piece taking place between 5th and 16th July 2021 and the public visiting dates from 17th July to 29th August 2021.
Highgate Cemetery forms a large and important part of the Conservation Area, mainly in its own right, but also through its contribution of open space which is part of the wider significance of the conservation area. Many of the monuments and tombs are individually listed and their setting within the cemetery contributes to their significance along with their architectural detail and historical importance. In recognition of this cemetery setting and the importance of the landscaping, the cemetery is also included in the List of Historic Parks and Gardens.
The cumulative significance of these designated assets reflects their importance to the conservation area as a formal landscaped open space. The display of “Stack” is totally reversible and will cause no harm to the physical fabric or the setting of the listed structures within the entrance to the cemetery. It is a piece of artwork that will sit confidently within its landscaped surroundings, and only for a short temporary period. The proposal will there preserve the character and appearance of the Historic Park and Garden, the Conservation Area, and the setting of the listed buildings in line with Local Plan Policies D1 and D2, and Neighbourhood Plan policy DH2.
Special attention has been paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the significance of the heritage assets, under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and as set out within the NPPF.
2.0 Open space and SINC The proposal is on MOL but the impact on the open space in is negligible given its scale and temporary nature, and it will have no notable impact on openness, especially given its siting in the courtyard. It will be sensitive to the setting, character, and openness of the open space, and have no discernible impact on the SINC whole sited on the cobbles, in line with Local Plan policies A2 and A3, and Neighbourhood Plan policy OS1.
3.0 Cultural provision Officers have taken account the public benefits that the exhibit would provide in the form of promoting cultural facilities in line with Local Plan policy C3. These benefits are considered to be positive and given the short period of time the art piece will be on display the perceived impact will be negligible. A condition is recommended requiring the artwork to be removed on or before the 6 September 2021.
Recommendation: Grant conditional planning permission.
The decision to refer an application to Planning Committee lies with the Director of Regeneration and Planning. Following the Members Briefing panel on Monday 7th June 2021, nominated members will advise whether they consider this application should be reported to the Planning Committee. For further information, please go to www.camden.gov.uk and search for ‘Members Briefing’.
Application ref: 2021/1943/P ApplicationNumber Contact: Antonia Powell Development Management Tel: 020 7974 2648 Regeneration and Planning London Borough of Camden Email: [email protected] Date: 2 June 2021 Town Hall Judd Street London Telephone: 020 7974 OfficerPhone WC1H 9JE
Phone: 020 7974 4444
[email protected] www.camden.gov.uk
DP9 100 Pall Mall London SW1Y 5NQ United Kingdom
Dear Sir/Madam DRAFT DECISION
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)
Full Planning Permission Granted
Address: Highgate Cemetery Swain's Lane London N6 6PJ
Proposal: DECISION Erection of art installation for temporary period of up to three months. Drawing Nos: Site Location Plan SHG-WIA-ZZ-ZZ-DR-A-000_0001-A; SHG-WIA-ZZ-ZZ-DR-A-000_0002- A; SHG-WIA-ZZ-ZZ-DR-A-000_0003-A; Design and Access Statement Entitled Temporary Sculpture Project Proposal Highgate Cemetery, Swain's Ln, London N6 6PJ.
The Council has considered your application and decided to grant permission subject to the following condition(s):
Condition(s) and Reason(s):
1 The development hereby permitted must be begun not later than the end of three years from the date of this permission.
Reason: In order to comply with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).
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2 No fixing to the historic fabric is hereby consented unless otherwise specified in the approved documents.
Reason: To safeguard the appearance of the historic structures and the character of the immediate area in accordance with the requirements of policy D1 [and D2 if in CA] of the London Borough of Camden Local Plan 2017.
3 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:
Site Location Plan SHG-WIA-ZZ-ZZ-DR-A-000_0001-A; SHG-WIA-ZZ-ZZ-DR-A- 000_0002-A; SHG-WIA-ZZ-ZZ-DR-A-000_0003-A; Design and Access Statement Entitled Temporary Sculpture Project Proposal Highgate Cemetery, Swain's Ln, London N6 6PJ.
Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of proper planning.
4 The temporary artwork installation hereby permitted shall be removed and the temporary use as an art installationDRAFT discontinued, with the land restored to its former condition, on or before 6 September 2021, including removal of any fixtures or fittings that facilitate the temporary use.
Reason: To ensure the structure is only temporary and to preserve the character and setting of the listed park and garden and open space, the surrounding listed buildings and structures, and the conservation area, in accordance with in accordance with policies D1, D2 and A2 of the Camden Local Plan 2017, and policies DH2 and OS1 of the Highgate Neighbourhood Plan 2017.
Informative(s):
1 Your proposals mayDECISION be subject to control under the Building Regulations and/or the London Buildings Acts that cover aspects including fire and emergency escape, access and facilities for people with disabilities and sound insulation between dwellings. You are advised to consult the Council's Building Control Service, Camden Town Hall, Judd St, Kings Cross, London NW1 2QS (tel: 020-7974 6941).
You can find advice about your rights of appeal at: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/planning/appeals/guidance/guidancecontent
Yours faithfully
Chief Planning Officer
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