Suffolk View The publication of the Preservation Society Registered Charity No. 1154806 Issue No:130 Autumn 2017

• Creating attractive layouts for well-designed homes • Restoring a Suffolk Long House • Choice of SPS Training Days including quality of housing design • Traditional Suffolk Thatch – its changing fortunes Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Contents

Foreword SPS Director, Fiona Cairns writes 3 Comment SPS Chairman, Andrew Fane, writes 4 The Quality of House Building – Design Matters SPS Director, Fiona Cairns, refl ects on the impact and appearance of volume housing in Suffolk. 5 Planning, Conservation & Heritage Overview Update and comment 8 County Courier News and issues from the districts, amenity societies and members 10 From the News-stand Copy and comment – update on matters of local and national interest 13 Book Review The Sutton Hoo Story: encounters with early England by Martin Carver e Restoration of Church 1881-1906 by Alan Mackley 15 Quote of the Issue 15 Heritage Matters Suffolk Thatch – Stephen Letch 16 ‘The House at Orchard Barn’ – restoring a Suffolk Long House in , Part 1. 21 Traditional Building Skills Courses – Essex Place Services 24 Membership 25 SPS Events Review 26 Diary Dates 27 Market Place – Directory 28

Offi ces Patron The Countess of Euston © 2017 SPS. All rights reserved. Little Hall, Market Place, President The Lord DL Printed by Lavenham Press Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk Chairman Andrew Fane, OBE MA FCA The views expressed in Suffolk View are CO10 9QZ Director Fiona Cairns, MRTPI IHBC those of the individual authors, and do not Telephone 01787 247179 Finance: Walter Wright necessarily refl ect the position of the SPS Fax 01787 248341 Chartered Accountants Cover photographs: Email [email protected] Editor Linda Clapham Front: The character of Website www.suffolksociety.org For editorial matters, queries and submissions. Back: Into Autumn Follow us on Twitter: @SuffolkSociety Like us on Facebook: @SuffolkSociety

Founded in 1929, the SPS Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number 1154806 is working to safeguard the buildings and Operating as the landscape of Suffolk. County Branch of CPRE Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Foreword SPS Director, Fiona Cairns, writes

Housing delivery – is better ‘place-making’ our only defence?

political circles after a generation when the words that we should be using to the word had effectively become taboo. express our dislike of the uniformity and Think tanks such as ResPublica and standardisation of today’s new homes? Policy Exchange and campaign groups Our Chairman, Andrew Fane, on such as Create Streets are making the page 4 considers this in detail and the concept of ‘beauty’ increasingly common lead article on page 5 examines the in debates around housing delivery. challenges for our planning departments Ruth Davidson, Conservative leader for in delivering good design. As a result of Scotland, recently wrote “The biggest this poor state of affairs SPS will launch ally we have in increasing housing supply its fi rst ever urban design training day, is beauty”. The recent work of the see page 27 for details. Could it be that Woodland Trust and the National Trust in fi nally the tide is turning? That housing promoting beauty as a re-found concept delivery has become such a politically has also helped in making it politically charged issue that our politicians are correct to discuss not just what our engaging with the need to improve streets, villages and towns provide but design standards and control? Now is Some of you will be aware that the also what they look like. the time for planning teams to be fully Secretary of State, Sajid Javid, has Long-standing readers of Suffolk View empowered, both in terms of skills and recently announced a new formula for will be familiar with the SPS agenda capacity. They crucially also need the full assessing housing need. This has been of demanding higher quality design, support of their political masters to reject met with mixed feelings as many agree respecting local distinctiveness and poor design and demand much better. that we urgently need clarity around this seeking to build not only a roof over For the SPS and its members, this is issue to give certainty to beleaguered one’s head but also creating places that nothing new, but could it possibly be that, planning authorities who are constantly charm and delight. One only needs fi nally, someone is listening? challenged by developers about how to visit Letchworth Garden City to be On a lighter and very different note, many houses are needed. reminded how outstanding Britain used Foreword cannot move on without The application of the new formula to be at delivering beautiful, functional congratulating our Chairman, Andrew shows the number of houses needed in and sustainable places to live. Fane on his recently awarded OBE for Mid Suffolk and Babergh will increase However today charm and delight are his work to Heritage and Charity in the by an eye watering 27% and 24% not words commonly associated with Queen’s Birthday Honours. Well done respectively, while and large scale housing delivery in our county. Andrew. Forest Heath will see a more modest We are advised that we need more homes increase of 8% each. Meanwhile, there and we know that national planning is more encouraging news for Waveney, guidance places much emphasis upon and St. Edmundsbury which all the importance of good design. So see a drop between 6% and 19% in the why are we not getting it? housing need in their district. (Source Why do new homes in Suffolk Planning Magazine.) look like the ones in Devon What does this mean for Suffolk - or Yorkshire? Why can’t ultimately, a lot more of our countryside our homes look like they being lost to the mass house builders? belong here instead of just somewhere or anywhere? I recently read an intriguing article How can we articulate in the planning press by Chris Brown, our views about how we Executive Chairman of Igloo Regeneration, want the places that we who argues that the word ‘beauty’ is live to look like? What are becoming increasingly acceptable in

3 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Comment SPS Chairman, Andrew Fane, writes

SPS Chairman, Andrew Fane, OBE

Country Life is a long established and planning authority desperately need to in Framlingham and in Sherford, very British magazine that seldom increase their new homes figures. however, is the ability of local planning works itself up to a fury and even less Reverting to Framlingham, Country authorities to distinguish and insist often launches a verbal assault on Life talks warmly of the ancient Suffolk upon the difference between ‘good a particular individual or company. market town, crowned by its Norman design’ and ‘inappropriate design’. However, they broke with this tradition castle and great medieval Church, Suffolk Coastal District Council on 14th June when they commented as a seriously beautiful place. The Planning Committee first turned down on the new Persimmon housing article is less generous to Persimmon the Persimmon development but later development currently being built in and described their development gave consent recognising that in the Framlingham – “the housing crisis is no on a greenfield site as a series of current climate, and without being able excuse for the crass ugliness that some standardized houses that do nothing to demonstrate a five-year housing local councils are allowing to be built to enhance the town. Persimmon were supply, the chance of upholding in the countryside”. This is not just an clearly very aware of the significance a refusal against an Appeal to an attack on Persimmon but an attack on and beauty of this ancient settlement Inspector were very slim. But one has the local authority which, in their view, with 74 listed buildings and, indeed, to wonder whether the local planning allowed this development. And this are marketing their properties on the authority could not still have held out complaint is far from unique to Suffolk. back of the historic beauty of the for a better and more appropriate local The national press has been town which they describe as ‘breath- design, and indeed one has to wonder regularly reporting on a very large taking’. But they still see fit to fill why an Inspector granting consent, as development in the Sherford Valley their own development with houses he did with the Framlingham Fairford on the outskirts of Plymouth where that could have been built anywhere. Road development, did not himself 5,500 new homes are to be built in a The names they use give it away – insist on good design. The planning greenfield location. This is a high profile The Corfe (Somerset), The Chedworth consent is a briefly contested moment development not least because of the (Gloucestershire), The Clayton in time – it is the buildings that follow initial involvement of The Prince’s (Yorkshire). What possible relevance do that endure for many, many years to Trust for Building Community, with these have to an historic Suffolk town? come and it is those buildings which leading designers, in what they intended Interestingly, the Persimmon sales impact beneficially or adversely on the to be an eco-friendly, pedestrianized literature assures prospective buyers setting in places of real importance community similar to Poundbury in that “we explore the local architecture; like Framlingham. We, at the Suffolk Dorset. The Sherford Consortium (three we ensure our home designs take Preservation Society, must keep on volume house-building companies, inspiration from their surroundings”. reminding planners of their duty Bovis, Linden Homes and Taylor SPS begs to differ. and powers to insist on good design Wimpey), appointed subsequently However, in response to strong particularly where substantial housing to build-out the site appears to have local criticism, and the SPS, it appears has to be built in our still beautiful watered down the design qualities that some of the discrepancies at county. Good design guidance needs to that had won the consent originally. Mount Pleasant, Framlingham are being be at the heart of all new build. Years of planning had gone into the revisited, like the window style change The SPS will run a training day, development and only 300 of the total and the bargeboard detail. There appear ‘Urban Design Training’, on Tuesday, number have been built, and yet it to be other points of difference which 21st November 2017, in to now looks as if they will be allowed to are being reconsidered. address this important subject, see change the consent because the local The real issue that arises both page 27.

4 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 The Quality of House Building – Design Matters SPS Director, Fiona Cairns, refl ects on the impact and appearance of volume housing in Suffolk.

It is well understood that we are living through a housing crisis. It is also well understood that Suffolk is facing unprecedented demands to supply predominantly market housing - all too often on unallocated land in an unplanned way – leaving us feeling that we have little control of the situation and without a voice to infl uence the ever more rapid change to our County.

The relentless pressure from Whitehall to deliver high levels of housing, and the punitive measures that affect local planning authorities when they do not satisfy the Government’s insatiable demand for more homes, was published, the SPS, and its sister challenge has never been greater than means that it has never been more charity, Suffolk Building Preservation it is today. pressing to fi nd a way to make volume Trust Ltd, published a complimentary The problems have been housing schemes integrate successfully study, The Patterns of Suffolk Buildings, compounded by the loss of specialist into the Suffolk landscape. which sought to establish principles staff from local planning authorities. But you only need to look back a which could be used in any situation Currently, there are fewer staff with few years to see that concerns about to produce new buildings which specialist design and landscape skills the tide of anodyne housing that is respond to their landscape. Some working in the local planning authorities affecting the rural quality of our County council districts did also produce than was the case over more recent is nothing new. their own design guidance for smaller decades. Until recently, landscape In 1993, Suffolk County Council developments. advice was delivered by offi cers at issued the Suffolk Design Guide, which But despite these worthwhile Suffolk County Council to Babergh all seven local authorities adopted as efforts, over the intervening twenty and Mid Suffolk district councils only. planning guidance. Its mission was years we have sometimes failed to This arrangement has now ceased and to raise the design standards of new successfully integrate large scale instead services have been secured housing across Suffolk. It set out a clear volume housebuilding within the from the adjoining county (Essex) to message that before focussing on the Suffolk landscape. This has always deliver a freestanding service to one individual building it was necessary to been a challenge for planners. But that joint authority – Babergh and Mid understand the shape of a development Mount Pleasant Framlingham and the spaces within it, and how the scheme will be seen in the landscape. This should be followed by carefully assessing the choice of materials and details that shape our response to the character and quality of that local built environment. The last review of the Suffolk Design Guide was 17 years ago. We hope the necessary resources are made available for this important piece of policy work to be updated soon. In the same year that the Design Guide

5 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Framlingham - street scene

The character of Framlingham

Volume housing at Hadleigh people want to The training is based on the premise live in, that makes that new housing should reflect the a good neighbour essential character of Suffolk. The which integrates aim of reducing the impact of new well with its local housing on the landscape and ensuring surroundings. that new development relates well to Understanding its surroundings is best achieved by that issues such informing consultees on how to make as the layout informed and insightful responses to and design, such applications. the roads, the The aim is to empower local groups landscape setting to respond to planning consultations by and planting, approving the principle of new housing the parking, the on a site while demanding a better siting and external designed scheme which the community appearance of the will be proud of. houses are all to be The training will be held in Southwold treated holistically, Suffolk. The reduction in in-house and will focus on how consultees can and not as assess housing schemes and make an landscape staff is a worrying trend. individual elements, is key to creating a informed response on how to improve Furthermore, with the exception of successful development. the standard of urban design in one post in Ipswich Borough Council, This Autumn SPS is offering urban developments that their parish will be there currently appears not to be a design training to statutory consultees, hosting, particularly those undertaking single dedicated urban design post in such as parish councils and other Neighbourhood Plans. the County. The result is even greater interested parties who comment on The training will be delivered by pressure on hard pressed Conservation planning applications. and Design Officers. This contraction Peter Dawson, Built Environment Manager, a highly experienced Urban in skills and capacity has had a serious Oddly, ‘urban design’ is impact upon the quality of the housing Designer working for Place Services, schemes that are being delivered across the term used to cover all a multidisciplinary environmental the County. new housing development consultancy. Place Services are currently So what can be done about it? whether in towns, villages or undertaking the review of the Essex It is increasingly important that we countryside, and whether just Design Guide. We hope that Suffolk may can articulate what makes an attractive a few houses or many. soon consider an update to its own and successful development that design guidance.

Consented building land at Fairfield Road, Framlingham Good Design Concepts

■ Reflect local character and identity, creating a sense of place. ■ Build a settlement which gives priority to people not cars. ■ Create a recognisable place where buildings and spaces form a harmonious enclosure. ■ Provide green infrastructure and high quality landscaping which is an integral part of the design. ■ Subscribe to good quality building materials and locally suitable plant species.

6 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

SPATIAL ORGANISATION - how not to!

▲ Why design a road like this...... when it could be like this?

Suffolk Design Guide, Suffolk County Council 1993 7 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Planning, Conservation and Heritage Overview Update and comment

All SPS letters are available in full on its website.

BUILDING DESIGN PROTECTION OF OUR to challenge this liberal interpretation of Bala Cottage at Ferry, an AONBs – SHOULD WE BE planning policy. We have also raised concerns about attractive semi-detached Edwardian CONCERNED? Villa, underwent a transformation in the importance of AONB protection At SPS we are increasingly questioning 2016. The changes followed a consented with reference to a number of other whether the protection that our AONB planning application to add a further recent planning applications. Proposals landscapes should enjoy is being storey to move living accommodation for a very large expansion of what was consistently applied. Recent decisions away from the risk of flooding. the Copella juice business have been have seen the status down played and at However, the building work that submitted by the new owner, Konings times ignored entirely. followed strayed well beyond what had Ltd. These will see a business which One particularly controversial been consented. The result is a modern began life as a fruit farm develop into application for housing within the block-like structure which belies all the processing and canning plant on an character and charm of the original Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB is at where both Waveney District industrial scale requiring imported house and its surroundings. This proved ingredients – within the Dedham Vale very controversial locally and SPS were planning officers and its planning committee members have chosen to and Stour Valley AONB landscape, approached by the Felixstowe Society accessed via roads far from suitable for for help after Suffolk Coastal District weigh the ‘enabling’ economic benefits of a scheme above the loss of AONB the required HGV deliveries. Responses Council (SCDC) planners had advised to the application are mixed – most that all the changes were permitted. designated land. SPS had argued that as Waveney is able to demonstrate though argue that the latest expansion SPS argued that this was not the case plans are a step too far for this sensitive in an AONB and this has resulted in sufficient allocated land for housing for the next 5 years all planning decisions location but some claim that the modest a retrospective planning application number of jobs promised will justify being submitted. We have called for should be in accordance with its Local Plan. However, in this case, as it was the harm which will inevitably follow. this to be refused and would welcome We await Babergh’s response to the improvements to the design. claimed that the development of around 70 new homes would ensure the proposals but believe that planners financial survival of St. Felix School, should be pressing for the business to the District Council chose to ignore the move to an accessible location with policies of the Local Plan and allow the appropriate transport links. proposal. Moreover, this was deemed In contrast, SPS did not dispute the to be an ‘exceptional circumstance’ location or the principle of developing which would allow the development on a very large train maintenance depot land nationally designated as an Area building at Brantham on a disused of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A local factory site, close to both the Dedham group of residents which share SPS’s Vale and Suffolk Coast AONBs. We concerns has been formed and is looking continue, however, to emphasise that the

Balta Cottage, before above and after below. Planned expansion in the AONB

8 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 design of the building must minimise its that growth in each district, together Energy Gateway, serving C impact on the AONB landscapes. The with a series of up-to-date planning and offshore wind farm operations, and applicant, Abelio East Anglia Limited, policies. Babergh and Mid-Suffolk are providing improved access along the had proposed that the vast warehouse- producing a new joint local plan for the A12 and relief for residents in Farnham, size building should be emblazoned first time. Ipswich and Suffolk Costal are Stratford St. Andrew, Little Glemham with its red striped livery. We now look jointly preparing policies which cover and Marlesford. We will be looking at the to planners to agree cross-boundary issues such as housing environmental impacts of the proposals. a substantially more discreet colour and employment and are considering Scottish Power Renewables has plans scheme in this highly visible location on spatial strategy across both districts. for two further offshore windfarms - the banks of the river Stour. SPS will consider the impacts of A more encouraging outcome for the East Anglia ONE North and East Anglia the new plans on the heritage and AONB was an Inspector’s response to TWO – each and with a capacity of up special landscapes of the county and an appeal for housing on land between to 800 megawatts. This is in addition to is particularly interested in housing and Woodbridge. Although East Anglia ONE, currently being built, just outside the Suffolk Coast and numbers and site allocations. In our and East Anglia THREE, which has just Heaths AONB, SPS had objected, in response to the Waveney Consultation been consented. We have been informed part, due to the impact on the AONB we have urged for more robustly worded that whilst the first two projects are of developing this land. The Planning policies to protect the AONB and connecting to the onshore electricity Inspector agreed, stating that AONBs heritage of the district. We will respond transmission network at Bramford, carry the highest level of protection and, to the various stages of consultation in alternative coastal connection points for therefore, dismissed the appeal, despite all the districts at the appropriate time. East Anglia ONE North and East Anglia the obvious benefits to the community TWO are being explored. It is anticipated of providing a number of new houses. ENERGY that these projects will connect to the We hope that the Planning Inspector Suffolk County Council’s (SCC) own grid in the vicinity of Sizewell/ charged with determining the Appeal for report into where the 3,000 or so and SPS will examine the plans for these new housing on the old brickworks site construction workers could be housed closely when they are available. in has a similar respect for during the construction its AONB status. We currently await the phase of Sizewell C Woolpit character decision on this highly visible site within concludes not only that the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. the accommodation HERITAGE could be dispersed over a number of sites but It can be difficult to successfully make that it might leave a a heritage objection to a planning application which will result in harmful legacy of permanent off-site impacts. A recent decision by new homes. SPS hopes Mid-Suffolk District Council (MSDC) that EDF might favour planning committee to refuse 49 this proposal over the homes on a greenfield site at Woolpit, current plan to house however, was welcomed by SPS. We had all the workers on a been objecting to this application since single site abutting the June 2016, not due to the nature of the AONB at . site itself, but because its location to In the meantime, the south of the village would require SCC is consulting on all traffic to be funnelled through the proposals for the long narrow streets of the historic core of awaited 4 villages’ Woolpit, a Conservation Area, lined bypass on the A12, by numerous listed buildings. Planning to be partly funded by Officers at MSDC considered the EDF. The route is being heritage harm to be ‘low’, but fortunately branded as Suffolk’s the committee members disagreed and turned down the application on the grounds of harm to the historic built Sizewell set in the AONB environment.

LOCAL PLANS CONSULTATIONS Five Suffolk districts – Ipswich, Waveney, Suffolk Coastal, Babergh and Mid-Suffolk – are preparing local plans for the period to 2036. These are currently under a first stage of consultation. The plans set out the levels of growth and the locations for

9 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 County Courier News and issues from the districts, amenity societies and members

SPS District Chairs can be contacted via the Lavenham office

Suffolk Coastal Homes in Station Road is in a very into Northgate Street between the good position in Framlingham for Ipswich & Suffolk Club and the District a cluster of dwellings but instead Suffolk Central Library has been Report by Jo Rogers, Chair SPS Suffolk contains blocks of flats which feel the number one site derided as a Coastal District Committee out-of-place and over-bearing. One failure by all concerned to provide major departure from the proposed a fit and proper north entrance During the last months there plan is the lack of front gardens to the town centre. The site has has been some progress in the along Station Road itself – the been sold and the new developer is ongoing large developments upon street scene is heavy and urban in proposing a reasonable scheme to which SPS has been commenting. appearance along the north end of convert these medieval buildings Adastral Park has now reached the development. into twelve apartments, albeit very the planning application stage In Fairfield Road work has begun small and overlooking one of the and there are strong feelings on the preparatory earth-moving most air - and noise polluted streets locally about the perceived adverse work which has its complications in Ipswich. It will result in a long traffic situation. Outcomes are and what we feel are irregularities. awaited visual improvement in the still unknown on the Nursing townscape. Home in Yarmouth Road, the A Norwich developer proposes to former Suffolk Coastal District Ipswich Borough renovate the Great White Horse Council Office (SCDC) and Wood Report by Mike Cook, Ipswich Society Hotel - the first floor Trafalgar Lane – all in Melton. The Appeal Room as an upstairs extension of by the developers regarding the The row of desolate, boarded-up the existing tenant’s coffee shop, site between Martlesham and houses that form the south side of with a new staircase. The relatively Woodbridge was lost which was St. Margaret’s Green as it turns modern four-storey block behind considered the right outcome in will be converted to six one- the circumstances. Works on the bedroom flats. The remainder of three new housing developments in the hotel will be changed to a new Framlingham are well under way business centre with individual and there is not much that can be business suites, a central kitchen said in favour of any of them, see and meeting rooms. There will be page 4. There is particular concern no work to the existing downstairs with the Persimmon Homes in retail units. This would appear to Mount Pleasant. The houses are be the only way the building can densely sited, bland boxes having no reference to the character of the town. At the first planning meeting Persimmon referred to local vernacular designs, ie. windows with small panes and barge boards at the gable ends, as drawn in the plans. Neither of these elements materialised and the company Above the character of St. Margaret’s Green commented that the buildings were ‘their standard Northern house’. The SPS had pointed out initially the paucity of the design detail. Pressure has come from Great White Horse Hotel, Ipswich the Framlingham Residents’ Association, the Framlingham Town Council and SPS, and Suffolk Coastal District Council has been in frequent contact with Persimmon and has obtained an assurance that remedial action will be taken on these and other points that need addressing. On brownfield land, Hopkins

10 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

inevitable increase in traffic that it will bring, and the additional shopping and leisure opportunities that will be required. Proposals have included requests for further pedestrianization, upgraded links between the Arc and the historic town centre, more and better cycle routes, additional parking provision and improved visitor facilities. St. Edmundsbury Borough Council has amalgamated some services with Forest Heath District Council. There is concern that further fusion could result in the loss of Bury’s 400 year old Borough status. Bury in Bloom has done exceptionally well this year, Great White Horse Hotel inside court yard in former days winning many sectional awards brought back to economic viability. Conservation Area or the nearby and being declared Overall Winner The only contentious part of the Ancient House. by Anglia in Bloom, and the proposals is the staircase which displays have given real pleasure. will alter the important Trafalgar The welcoming road signs to the room but it will allow it to come Borough of St. town saying that ‘Bury is the Jewel back into public access and use. Edmundsbury in the Crown of Suffolk’ have On balance, with close control of indeed been re-enforced. the detailing of the staircase, this Report by David Rees, Chair SPS St. Planning news: Station Hill The could be acceptable. It does seem Edmundsbury District Committee motley collection of warehouses unfortunate that this building, A draft of the Town Centre and tatty leisure buildings has in financial terms, does not Masterplan, the result of public been demolished - the new seem appropriate for a boutique consultation with input from development can hardly fail to be destination hotel. concerned organisations including an improvement. The site of a former B&Q store the SPS and the Bury Society, Cornhill Walk – there are between Cardinal Park and the river and the work of professional plans to convert this lacklustre is a prime site as regards the future consultants (see www.bury.gov. 1980’s shopping centre, just of Ipswich: the site has been a car uk), will be published shortly. It off the market, into a retail and park for some time. A new developer will attempt to maintain Bury St. accommodation complex. A has proposed a well-considered Edmunds as an attractive thriving solution to the consequent parking scheme of 130 houses, 81 flats (in town with its heritage safeguarded requirements is yet to be found. a 12 storey tower), 48 live-work despite the impact of the extensive Greene King Brewery has sold units, six restaurants, a 60-bed new housing that is planned, the off land overlooking the water hotel with restaurant, a public open space and cycle/walkway along the riverside. Whilst we are keen to see redevelopment of this central site, it is vital that it is carried Cornhill Shopping Walk, out to high quality architectural Bury St. Edmunds design and landscaping. To that end, the developers carried out a small public consultation last year at which members of the public gave their views – the resulting masterplan is considered reasonable. Like many places we are blighted by an empty BHS store. We now have an application to reconfigure the interior of the store to seven individual units viz three retail, three food/drink and a gym. This is welcome and should not affect the

11 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

Aerial view of Greene King Brewery (circled) Southwold Hospital weight should be given to the meadows for housing and these Plan. Despite the officer’s specific has approved a community group dwellings, although crowded, are recommendation that the plan was submitting an application to attractively finished with plenty no longer current due to the lack of redevelop Southwold Hospital, of fine Suffolk flint; more new housing land supply and therefore a late Victorian building, as a buildings in St. Andrews Street had limited weight, the committee mixed-use facility with affordable South are similarly well finished. refused the application as they housing, start-up business space, All in all, Bury is thriving, considered the intent of the Plan and a community hub. The the outlook is promising and still remained clear. application will restore the façade community involvement is growing. This highlights that in areas of this locally listed building, where there is a lack of a five-year which is part of the setting of supply of land Neighbourhood Grade I St. Edmunds Church. Mid Suffolk District Plans could be ignored as not Waveney District Council (WDC) Report by Phil Butler, SPS Mid Suffolk District being up-to-date. However, has applied for North ’s The trend for large scale the Government has recently historic High Street to become a development applications clarified the situation by stating Heritage Action Zone. The heart of continues across the district that Neighbourhood Plans will “old Lowestoft” is now sadly run amounting to some 600 dwellings continue to be valid if they allocate down with many empty shop fronts being sought in locations with land for housing. The Society and under-used buildings. This potential harmful consequences. is recommending to all groups is one of a number of initiatives These have included Barham, currently drafting Plans that they to regenerate Lowestoft, which Botesdale, three in Fressingfield, take this into account. hopefully will bear fruit in the Old Newton, three in Stowupland The substations at Bramford coming years. The new leader of have been approved as part of The and two in Woolpit. The SPS has the WDC, who represents , continued to critically review these East Anglia Three Offshore Wind is committed to improving the with 11 representations made. Farm Development Consent Order. quality of design of new housing in As previously reported the SPS The SPS had made a number of the District. Building on this SPS, had objected to 200 dwellings in representations and participated in in collaboration with Southwold the hearing, all of which have been Thurston. This, together with four Town Council, is delivering, for other similar applications around acknowledged and recognised in the first time, design (housing and Thurston, was considered at the the Inspector’s final Report. A point its layout) training for parish and same district planning committee to note is the Inspector’s repeated district councillors – the workshop meeting. The planning committee observation on the general lack will be held at the Stella Peskett was minded to approve four but of representation from other local Millennium Hall in Southwold on the Parish Council has requested and parish bodies. Inspectors 23rd November 2017, see Diary that the applications are ‘called in’ are clearly expecting others to Dates for further information. for a decision by the Secretary of reinforce arguments by reflecting WDC’s decision to give State. similar concerns rather than being pre-planning consent to the silently acquiescent. Neighbourhood Plans and development of 70 homes on the interaction with Mid Suffolk grounds of St. Felix School, part District Council’s lack of a five- Waveney District of the AONB, is regrettable. The year supply of housing land. SPS believes that the decision was Report by Jessica de Grazia, SPS Trustee The SPS recently objected to an based on a misinterpretation of application for two dwellings on a News from the Waveney Valley the NPPF’s “enabling development site in Mendlesham designated as is mixed with some positive exception” to building in the a Visually Important Open Space developments and one keen AONB. A local group has been in the parish’s Neighbourhood disappointment, but first, the formed to consider whether judicial Plan, arguing that significant good news. NHS Properties Ltd review is appropriate.

12 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 From the News-stand Copy and comment

newspaper article the Director spoke of the planning failure that affected the country with a building programme that blighted communities and created environmental and heritage damage, but with ever increasing housing unaffordability – the worst of all worlds. Summarised below, SPS has written to the Secretary of State and local MPs to highlight a number of key points which Government should support if we are to see improvement in this vitally important area. 1. Reinvest in expertise. While local authorities have been shrinking in size, expertise has drained away and, as a consequence, planning departments are overwhelmed by the demands placed on Crispin Truman, CPRE’s new chief executive. them. It is time to reverse this decline in the CPRE’s new lead vital role which affects our land and lives. CPRE has a new chief executive, Crispin 2. Encourage co-operation between local 20 per cent VAT – no VAT is charged on new Truman, formerly with The Churches authorities so that land for development build. Perversely, this creates an incentive to Conservation Trust. (He replaces Shaun is made available with regard to scale demolish old character buildings rather than Spiers who joined the independent charitable and location. In this respect employment, maintain them. services, public transport and amenities think-tank Green Alliance, coordinating the 7. Promote Heritage Lottery Funding for our would be part of the planned concept. environment sector’s response to Brexit churches. The Government should commit to 3. Promote truly affordable housing through the Greener UK Coalition.) the future of the Listed Places of Worship grant linked to infrastructure needs for those Crispin received an OBE for his scheme so that VAT incurred on eligible accommodating growth. commitment to saving historic buildings costs can continue to be recovered for those 4. Empower communities through and seeing them returned to community important buildings, and look to extend this Neighbourhood Planning so that local people Scheme to other historic assets. use. He says he is passionate about the have the tools to infl uence local decisions, 8. Launch a renewed focus on regenerating countryside, but he might be surprised by with improved transparent decision making. our towns, by building on available the challenge to retain it. We are in diffi cult 5. Support local authorities to use their brownfi eld, derelict or underused land. times when so much of our countryside is statutory powers to take action, where This policy relieves pressure on previously being unsustainably built upon. However, appropriate, against owners of neglected undeveloped land leaving it for countryside, his former experience of saving historic listed buildings and so conserve the built agriculture, nature and well-being. The buildings should endear him to the SPS heritage. separation of town and country is a long- where it constantly battles, through the 6. Deliver positive fi scal change for respected and sustainable planning principle. planning process, to retain the integrity of heritage assets through a more simple 9. Plan for “beauty”. The overwhelming its built heritage. We wish him success in his tax regime for repair, maintenance and response to the #SuffolkBeauty photographic new post. conservation. Presently, work on historic competition, run by SPS last year, shows buildings is subject to widespread support for attractiveness and Court Ruling in Suffolk Case distinctiveness to be part of our built The Supreme Court has accepted in environment. Places that are well planned Suffolk Coastal District Council v. Hopkins are pleasing to the eye and uplifting to the Homes Limited, the main argument spirit and promote satisfaction and well- of the local authority that a narrow being. meaning should be given to the term This is the time to speak out and to press “relevant policies for the supply of for a planning system which serves the best housing” in the NPPF, paragraph 49, of aspirations for our fi nite and precious rather than a wide interpretation which land. If you believe this too please ask your would have meant that policies protecting friends to join the SPS. A larger membership the AONB, countryside, Green Belt, and creates a greater voice. designated heritage assets were “deemed” to be out-of-date if the District Council Listed Building System 70! could not demonstrate that there was a The system used today was introduced deliverable fi ve years’ supply of housing land, 70 years ago and to celebrate Historic see Planning Overview on page 8. England, who manage it, have added Heritage Alliance: June 2017 fi ve properties more to the existing tally of nearly 400,000 protected buildings. A Better England for All? The power to protect noteworthy The SPS believes that one of the sites from redevelopment or demolition Government’s priorities should was originally established in 1882, but be to reboot the planning system, after World War II Britain was horribly which has systematically failed run down and there was wholesale many, not just the few. In a recent demolition. A major rebuilding

13 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

programme to clear and replace buildings wireless station and a “hobbit house” damaged or destroyed by bombing was in Yorkshire. You may like to judge implemented. Through the 1947 Town & these for yourself. Country Planning Act properties special https://historicengland.org.uk/ enough to be protected were identifi ed, with whats-new/news/70-years-of-listing the fi rst lists dubbed “salvage lists”. There were more than 45,000 new listings made Rural heritage under in the scheme’s fi rst 10 years. This included threat 710 windmills, 514 pigsties, 262 palaces, The Heritage Alliance has published 72 piers, 16 plague crosses, 13 dung-pits, a paper Rural Heritage under Threat: three scoreboards, two fairground rides and looking after our landscapes post Brexit. a rocket. “Of the £4.5 billion the UK receives in The fi ve latest additions have all been National Trust’s new lead EU funding each year, some £3.1 billion awarded Grade II status, the lowest of With Dame Helen Gosh’s move to academia (80 per cent) is spent on direct income three grades available, meaning they early next year, a new Director General support payments to farmers. This simply are “of special interest warranting every will be in place so the National Trust (NT) subsidises farm incomes based on land area. effort to protect them”. These include a might feel they wish to re-examine their However, it is often unclear how current London cabbie’s shelter, First World War charitable product in the face of recent farming subsidies work and whether farming criticism. Much is expected of this large could deliver more for society. People and complex organisation apart from the love the countryside. It is a core part of management of its individual properties. their national and local identity. A thriving Caring for the centralised team of specialists countryside providing multiple benefi ts and curators who manage its responsibilities for society can provide a prosperous rural to a high standard is paramount. Apart from economy, strong rural communities, the staff, the Trust also has around 60,000 recreation, nature and wildlife, physical volunteers who need to be motivated. and emotional wellbeing, beauty and The NT’s business product (apart from history. However, most of what this fulfi lling member and visitor satisfaction) country had 50 or 100 years ago has strives to retain fragile places with local already been lost. For that reason, distinctiveness, supports countryside and what remains has been eligible for forests, provides educational information, Common Agriculture Policy funding cares for heritage assets, campaigns on under the Rural Development relevant planning issues and controversial Programme, and where funding has subjects, considers healthfulness, and been available it has been effective. creates a national identity - all of these are Too often, however, artifi cial its concern. This is a formidable list. The EU boundaries have treated NT attracts a visceral loyalty and has nearly rural heritage separately from fi ve million members, but that passionate the wider environment in which it commitment also presents a challenge, as sits, excluding it from integrated each member sees the world differently. approaches to land management, Overseeing all this, Country Life’s ‘Athena’ and limiting funding, effi ciency, and suggested, will take “interest, competence, effectiveness. The UK leaving the conviction, enthusiasm, wisdom and EU is an opportunity to fi nd new experience, not to mention the human touch and better ways of caring for our with good media skills.” We wish the next historic landscapes as part of the wider incumbent success as the National Trust environment.” The Paper will inform the continues to contribute in so many ways. It Heritage Alliance’s forthcoming meeting is an important contribution that carries a with Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State heavy responsibility, and it needs to take its for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. membership with it.

14 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Quote of the Issue The visual tragedies of our age: the random towers, warehouses, turbines and housing estates that litter town and country, without care for design or context bearing witness to the collapse of Britain’s fi nest cultural invention – planning – with the emasculation of planners and inspectors through political override. Sir Simon Jenkins, English author, newspaper columnist and editor: a former Chairman of the National Trust. Book Reviews The Restoration of Blythburgh Church 1881-1906 edited by Alan Mackley To those of you with voluntary committee princess to accounts of lavish fund-raising experience this account of a debacle may fetes and garden parties, the story is vividly not be a surprise although perhaps the brought to life. The stage was set for a length of the dispute might! In 1881, after ‘restoration versus conservation’ confl ict. decades of mouldering ruin, the grand and This hard-backed book contains a wonderful dominant 15th Century parish church of local record, as well as an insight to the past Blythburgh, ‘The Cathedral of the Marshes’, personalities of a parish. It also helped to on the northeast Suffolk coast, was closed establish as a principle traditional repair as unsafe. The church was saved - but its techniques before complete restoration. – rescue involved a bitter twenty-fi ve year long dispute between Blythburgh vicars (Incidentally, it was in the light of this and committees, and William Morris and case that in 1914 the diocese of St. his Society for the Protection of Ancient Edmundsbury & Ipswich founded the Buildings (SPAB), who feared that the Diocesan Advisory Committee to help medieval fabric would be over-restored and to assess applications for ‘faculties’ the character of the building lost forever. (permission) to undertake work on This book, edited by Alan Mackley, presents churches. Although they were not an edition with notes and introduction decision-making bodies, the committees of original documents from both sides – helped to ensure that changes to buildings providing unique insights into a rancorous and their furnishings were planned confl ict, with vicars pitted against patrons and executed in the most appropriate as well as the SPAB. The need was local, but way, respecting the historic importance the signifi cance national, with elites ranged of a building, while maintaining it as a against one another. From a description of functioning place of worship.) the Blythburgh committee headed by a royal

The Sutton Hoo Story: encounters with early England by Martin Carver

Sutton Hoo has a dynamic, changing and and has le d, over a fi fty year period, to a ever increasing audience, so the author potted history of British archaeology. “The Professor Martin Carver, fi eld archaeologist, travellers to Sutton Hoo must make two together with Suffolk publisher Boydell Press kinds of journey: one in reality and one in (which has had a long history of promoting the imagination. The destination of the real the Sutton Hoo story), decided not to simply journey is a small group of grassy mounds reissue Burial Ground of Kings but to prepare lying beside the River Deben in south-east a new version, just out, which takes into England. The imaginative journey visits a account the ideas and research published world of warrior-kings, large open boats, since 2005. This attractive, beautifully jewelled weapons, judicial killing and the illustrated and well laid out soft-covered politics of independence. To both kinds of edition is worthy of our attention. The Sutton journey, this book is offered as a guide.” Hoo Story – Encounters with Early England, recounts the story of the Anglo Saxon ship-burial and its treasures. It is one of the most signifi cant fi nds ever made in Europe

Boydell & Brewer is offering members of the Suffolk Preservation Society 25 per cent off The Restoration of Blythburgh Church edited by Alan Mackley and Martin Carver’s The Sutton Hoo Story. Simply quote the promotional code BB451 when prompted at the checkout at www.boydellandbrewer.com or via telephone when calling 01243 843291, or emailing [email protected]. Offer ends 31st January 2018

15 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

Heritage Matters The Changing Fortunes of Suffolk Thatch

Finished Long straw thatch with a traditional simple flush ridge and Suffolk brotched gable ends.

Stephen Letch, Master Thatcher, writes The County of Suffolk is an especially significant one where old traditional thatching materials and techniques are commonly used still – a time-tested practical approach to an indigenous vernacular craft.

Suffolk View, Issue 129, reported on an 95 per cent of thatched buildings were on with the remaining old thatching experimental reconstruction of Anglo thatched with threshed wheat straw families as they didn’t see much Saxon buildings and their thatches, known as ‘long straw’. During the advantage over the high quality of their based on surviving historic evidence middle 50 years of the 20th Century long straw and, still available, locally from thatches from across the country. large numbers of long straw thatched grown older varieties of long wheat This article concentrates on the long- roofs were replaced with tiles or with straw such as Square Heads Master, used Suffolk thatching traditions and water reed imported from Norfolk or Yeoman and Bursee. techniques. supplied by the newly flooded post- Examples of combed wheat reed war Dingle Marsh on the east coast of thatch can be seen at West Stow The traditions Suffolk. Anglo-Saxon Village where Triticale, a Water Reed and Long Straw thatching Further pressure was placed on the non-vernacular experimental modern are traditional to Suffolk and much survival of our long straw thatches hybrid-cross between wheat and rye of East Anglia and up until the early during the 1960’s by a government has been used. part of the 20th Century water reed initiative to promote and train thatchers By the 1980’s the majority of local thatching was generally only seen in the region to use ‘foreign’ west- authorities and their conservation around fen and estuary areas of the country type thatching known as officers, with or without guidance region, its use limited by transport costs ‘Devon reed’ or ‘combed wheat reed’ from English Heritage, had become and how far a horse and wagon could which resembled water reed. Perhaps in concerned over the loss of the regions travel there and back in a day. Suffolk the region of 200 homes were thatched long straw thatch; listed building being an arable cereal-growing region, at that time but it didn’t really catch consent was then required to change

16 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

from one thatching material/technique to another just as if a listed building owner would have to apply to change inappropriately from old clay peg tiles to concrete pan tiles. Suffolk, along with North Essex and South Norfolk are significant in so far as they still have the highest concentration of remaining long straw thatched roofs in the UK. Counties such as Oxfordshire that once had only long straw thatch now have virtually none as they have been replaced with Devon reed thatch or continental/Chinese water reed.

How does thatch work? To state the obvious, thatch is designed to shed rainwater and keep the dwelling dry, but there are other factors to how thatch works that are not generally appreciated, such as its ability to slowly breathe and regulate moisture levels, impressive thermal insulation properties, and acoustic insulation.

Shedding rainwater and keeping decay to a minimum Generally the steeper the pitch of the thatch the greater the longevity by reduction of the time moisture remains on the surface after rainfall. A 50 degree Modern hybrid straw thatch surface showing only butt ends of straw, giving the appearance of Devon wheat reed thatch. plus pitch works well. Avoidance of overhanging trees is helpful as they drip moisture onto the thatch after rainfall and reduce evaporation from the surface by wind and sun. Retained surface moisture is the key to increased establishment of brown fungal decay and the deterioration of the thatch thankfully the brown fungi family is not aggressive and for the most part inhabits only the top 1cm of properly constructed thatch – part the thatch and one can still see the original yellow colour has been retained because of the low moisture content. Brown fungi tend to dry out in the summer months then repopulate in autumn and winter, slowly decaying the surface until it wears down to the thatch fixings, at which time a new thatch is required. A new thatch carried out in the early summer retains its colour far longer than one carried out in the autumn and winter months. A long-term research programme on long straw longevity and its qualities is to begin in autumn 2017. This has been commissioned by Historic England through the National Thatching Straw Growers Association to collect science-based evidence and a better understanding of straw thatch that may Authentic long straw thatch surface appearance with mix of straw butts and heads showing. dispel some of the myths that prevent

17 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

19th Century method of securing long straw thatch to rafters using tarred cord and hazel sway.

thatching from being taken more However, most straw thatch owners and the establishment of decay helps seriously. This research work follows on praise their cottages for being warm us understand why thatch can last a from a study on growing reliable and in the winter and cool in the summer. time span comparable to tiled roofs suitable thatching wheat varieties. Wouldn’t it be great if in the future that often need replacement within 50 https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/ thatch was classified as insulation, as years because of batten fixings decay publications/thatch-supply-research/ well as a roofing system and qualified together with tiles becoming porous The new research will likely challenge for insulation home improvement grant and flaking due to frosts. the perception and recommendations aid? A good compact long straw thatch from certain construction research with a 250mm to 400mm thick coat organisations and local authority building controllers viz that thatch soaks Mosses, lichens and algae can be expected to have a lifespan of up rainwater like a sponge throughout Although unpleasant for many thatch between 35 and 45 years, with northerly its depth necessitating a ventilation gap owners to see on their roofs they do not elevations lasting slightly longer than behind the thatch to help dry it out. accelerate the deterioration of thatch southerly elevations. Thinner, less unless mosses in particular thickly compact topcoats may only last 15 Thermal insulation populate large area of a roof. Lichens years. Both water reed and long straw thatch are most commonly seen on thatch, Water reed thatch can last up to 60 have good resistance/u-value. Long especially on northern elevations, and years or more, but in rare instances can straw thatch has approximately fifty per are quite benign – there is a view that fail earlier if the surface is too tight. cent more insulation benefits compared they have the ability to resist brown The retained moisture can lead to the to water reed thatch for the same depth fungal decay so can prolong the lifespan establishment of aggressive white rot because straw is a lighter material with of thatch. decay. more trapped air pockets. As straw thatch tends to be multi-coated (reed Longevity of thatch Forensics of historic straw thatch is fixed to rafters as a single coat) For many it’s a mystery that organic layers the insulation value is doubled again, material on the main roof can last In centuries past we would have seen equivalent to 200mm of Celotex. between 40 and 60 years when thatched two forms of straw thatch in the East Unfortunately some older properties to good specification and maintained Anglia region, stubble thatch and long leak like sieves thermally, through the with well-constructed new ridges every straw thatch. The first disappeared walls and windows, gables and eaves couple of decades. The science that centuries ago and the second we see on losing some thatch insulation benefits. links retained thatch surface moisture our listed buildings today.

18 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

A good example of an original ancient rafter coat of long straw with top coats of long straw stripped away. Stubble thatch straw on well-maintained old ancient when old thatched properties were Stubble thatch disappeared centuries hall houses can still be seen to be constructed they were thatched twice, ago and little is known of it apart from smoke blackened on the underside by first with a preparation coat fixed to the vague odd agricultural writers such central hearths prior to chimneys being the rafters to take a second weathering as Walter of Henley in 1820. This thatch constructed inside the buildings from coat fixed by hazel brotches into the was used on small round/oval wattle the late 16th century. coat beneath. My thatching colleagues walled and roofed peasant hovels. The majority of old long straw and I in East Anglia have never seen the Long cereal stubble was literally pulled thatched properties in Suffolk were not evidence of this practice done prior to from the soil with the roots intact then always well maintained through the ages the late twentieth century to thatching secured to a wattle frame by handfuls and their thatch would have deteriorated work. Not only is it nonsensical in of mud. This type of thatch was well- to such an extent that it would not have practical and economic terms but one suited to the construction method and been possible to thatch a new coat would expect to see no blackened probably lasted quite well, helping over the original. The old thatch would decay between the two layers if this to draught proof and strengthen the then have to be totally removed before was the case. dwelling at the same time. thatching again to the rafters. It is understandable to see why It’s interesting to see the chronology stubble thatch was lost as nobody Long Straw thatch of what has happened to cottage roofs wanted to live in a wattle hovel This thatch was used on wealthy, by looking at the fixings used, as seen anymore, but it is more difficult substantial timber framed buildings around the underside of rafters. Where to comprehend why hundreds of by tying full length cereal straw to the only honeysuckle or stripped bramble thousands of long straw roofs have roof frame at a greater thickness. The stem ropes are seen one can be fairly gone since the late 19th century. crop would have been cut low to the confident that the thatch directly Academic conclusions put it down to ground at harvest and flailed to remove fixed to the other side of the rafters is the railroads transporting tiles and the the grain. In the process the thatching pre-1800. If tarred sisal cord is seen introduction of growing shorter straw. material would have been mixed up one can assume that the thatch was Most of the long straw thatched roofs and prepared into yealms (straw tiles) completely replaced post-1800 because were lost long before the introduction leaving the finished thatch surface of the fact that these ropes/bonds were of short-stemmed wheats in the late appearance showing a mixture of ears introduced since the time that a patent 1960s, so what went wrong for straw and butt ends. was taken out in 1790. roofs? There were no problems with Surviving original coats of long It’s an academic myth to suggest that confidence regarding this type of thatch

19 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

Re-instating long straw thatch (2011) to the Landmark property at Purton Green, Suffolk after it had been wrongly thatched in the 1980s with poorly performing water reed thatch. until the very late 19th century many of thatch. Plagues of sparrows pulled straw thatch and employed good quality decades after much of the railroads thatched roofs apart in the search for Master Thatchers we, like the rest of were built. food. To counteract the effect of bird Northern Europe, would have lost our An epiphany came to me after damage thatch owners resorted to straw thatch heritages, an intrinsic reading ‘Memoirs of a Thatching Family’ fitting a relatively new product – wire element of our vernacular style. 1860-1968 by B.S. Reeve, The Larks netting, invented by Charles Barnard of Press, & acquiring the full thatching Norwich. Thatch quality went further Stephen Letch has been thatching accounts over the 100 years from Bert downhill to counteract the huge cost in East Anglia using long straw, water Reeves’ daughter. of the netting but long straw thatching reed and heather for 42 years. He grows The decline started with the repeal became far more expensive than tiles and harvests heritage thatching wheats of the Corn Laws which coincided and slates and did not last as long as in and is present Chair of the National with the great agricultural depression previous times. Thatching Straw Growers Association. and years of failed harvests. Out- The net effect was that confidence He is a long- standing member of of-work farm corn stack thatchers was lost in all thatch, not just long the East Anglia Master Thatchers’ competed with master craftsmen, straw thatch. Had some knowledgeable Association and the Conservation of creating cheap shoddy and thin coats thatch-owners not persisted with their Traditional Thatching Group. Stephen was instrumental in persuading Fixing a new top coat of long straw using hazel brotches (pointed staples). Historic England to fund a review and substantial research into causes of chimney related thatch fires. This research has now been completed by Dr. Jim Glockling of the Fire Protection Association and the findings will be published by the end of 2017, together with planned conferences across the country to explain the findings.

For further information on thatch here are some useful links: East Anglia Master Thatchers Association www.eamta.co.uk Conservation of Traditional Thatch Group www.traditional-thatch.org Historic England http://www.english-heritage.org/ publications/thatch-and-thatching/ National Thatching Straw Growers Association www.ntsga.org.uk Stephen Letch’s email [email protected]

20 sourced for use. where notpossiblelocaltreeswillbe whereverbe repaired possible, and which will will usetheoriginaltimbers to secureitsfuture. process Therepair not have beensituated in abetterplace buildings.vernacular techniques involved old inrepairing thetraditional themtolearn to enable allages skilled craftsmen,tostudentsof by practicalinstruction, which offers is atraditionalbuildings’skillscentre Orchard Barn Ringshall, MidSuffolk. at adjacenttoOrchardBarn’, Barn House, named‘TheHouseatOrchard Long to reinstatea1580Suffolk has beengranted Planning permission LongHouse, –PartRestoring aSuffolk Ringshall,MidSuffolk 1 Barn’ ‘The HouseatOrchard matters Heritage The photograph shows the old house in the 1960s before itfinallycollapsed theoldhousein1960sbefore shows The photograph ‘The HouseatOrchard could Barn’

Suffolk Preservation Society|Suffolk Suffolk Preservation | View Autumn 2017|no130 the timber remains insituor islyingnearby.the timberremains façadewhere mostof thewest of Figure 1.Areconstruction Background listing. toremainworthy of and historicintegrity it would retainsufficientoriginalfabric timbers, LeighAlstonconsiders surviving was the properly restored,incorporating thestructure render andundergrowth. If byEnglish Heritage)Inspectors external successive HistoricEngland’s (formerly a road. Itwas, presumably, hiddenfrom to Buildings atRiskdespiteitsnearness Historic does itappearontheRegisterof this historicbuildingisnotlisted,nor that historic carpentry. Itisremarkable restorationby aspecialistin of capable condition andthebuildingwas considered massive principaljoists, were inasound beams, arch-braces, storeypostsand theframe, includingwall studs, tie- of theprincipalcomponents demise, mostof collapsed inabramblepatch!Despiteits inspectionitwas emptyandpartly of symmetrical wall bracing. Atthetime windows, and ‘inglenook’fireplace complete withoriginaldiamond-mullion extending toover 50feetinlengthand thelate-16thcentury, of framed structure Hedescribesitasafinetimber- Suffolk. buildingsin among themostremarkable planning application,hestatesthatitis andaccompany a designed toinform Leigh AlstonMA(Oxon). Inhisanalysis, March 2007by ArchitecturalHistorian, in receivedBarn’ ahistoricalsurvey This dilapidated‘HouseatOrchard 21

4 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

Site Plan: from 1904 Ordnance Survey – house, shown as two cottages in the centre.

Introduction Photograph of dislodged diamond mullion window originally in the western elevation. The historic name of the property is beams. The western elevation is leaning axial joists tenoned to massive binding unknown. The Site Plan, above left, precariously and in places the fi rst fl oor joists that measure an impressive 12 x shows the layout of the buildings in studs are horizontal after the failure of 12 inches and boast deeply chamfered 1904, where the house lies between the their tenons. In other words, the house edges with well-formed decorative barn and its associated cattle yard to would appear in a very dilapidated ‘lamb’s tongue’ stops. In contrast the south, and Nine Elms Farm which state to all but the untrained eye. The to the binding joists, which remain in lies beyond a wide pond to the north. upper storey incorporates a series of excellent condition, the chamfered Its present name is of recent origin externally trenched wall braces that axial joists have fallen to the ground and, presumably, derives its title from were designed to be visible and are and have partly decayed; they an orchard which adjoins the site to the from an elegant pattern that would have retain relatively small mortises with south. been perfectly at home in a high-status diminished shoulders each measuring Tudor merchant’s house in the streets 3½ inches in width by 4½ inches in Analysis of the Timber Frame of Lavenham. The investigations of the framing The four unglazed windows were largely confi ned to the western containing ‘diamond shaped’ mullions elevation (front) because access to it (ie. square mullions set diagonally was severely hampered by undergrowth in typical 16th century style) show which, if removed, may have rendered evidence that each was enclosed by the remaining walls more vulnerable to internal shutters sliding in grooves. further damage by wind and weather. Three of the four original mullions However, at the time, it was considered in the right-hand fi rst-fl oor possible to analyse the rear wall and window remain in situ having southern gable to the same degree been blocked by external of accuracy. The entire northern lath and plaster at an bay of the building had collapsed, early period. There having apparently been undermined is evidence that by the migrating bank of the pond the entire frame shown on the Site Plan above, but was, until recently, its timbers remained where they had hidden by secondary fallen and their arrangement could be external render. Most reconstructed for careful archaeological has now rotted away, recording. It was urged therefore that but small areas of no timbers be moved before recording original wattle and could take place. daub still remain The building as it stands extends between the studs. to 17½ feet in width by 45 feet in Figure 2. shows length from its southern gable to the the two internal point at which it has collapsed; the open trusses that northern bay may be presumed to have fl ank the bay extended by at least a further 10 feet containing the 20th to the former edge of the pond. The century entrance wall rises to 13 feet at the eaves but door as indicated Figure 2. Drawing showing reconstruction of the two open trusses fl anking the may have been taller, as the present in Figure 1. The bay that contains the present entrance door. The tie-beams, mid-rails, binding joists, ground level lies above the original sill ceiling consisted of storey posts and roof collars all survive, but the walls are no longer vertical.

22 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 height, for common joists that are conspicuous by their absence and have either decayed entirely or may have been stolen from the site. The large arch-braces to the tie-beams remain in situ, representing a most unusual survival in a domestic context as most were removed to gain headroom in later centuries. The roof structure has collapsed, but a number of fallen collars, perched precariously in the undergrowth, demonstrate that it consisted of clasped purlins. These various carpentry features suggest the frame was built in the second half of the 16th century says Leigh Alston, and a date of circa 1580 can be suggested with some confi dence. Part 2, continuing the narrative of the survival of this important vernacular building, will appear in Suffolk View, Issue 131. Lamb’s tongue end stop

Working on the frame – Rick Lewis, Nigel Packer & David Morton

Timber framing day in September 2017

Orchard Barn Traditional Skills Centre If you would like to learn traditional carpentry skills on a live project please contact Orchard Barn, students and volunteers are all welcome. The Restoration Skills course in May repaired one of the 1580’s timbers and the Timber Framing courses held in June worked on the east elevation. Develop your knowledge, skills and abilities and get involved with the reinstatement of this important Suffolk building. Stop Press: Orchard Barn runs traditional skills courses – timber framing and carpentry, Round Wood Timber Framing Course – wattle and daub repair and lime based techniques – please contact them for 16th – 20th April 2018 dates and details. A n opportunity to go out into the woods and source Ringshall, Suffolk IP14 2LY the trees that will convert into part of a vernacular Telephone 01473 658193 [email protected] www.orchardbarn.org.uk building.

23 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Heritage Matters Traditional Building Skills, Conservation Courses and Lectures by Essex Place Services

Hands on courses provide practical working on important and high profile training in the repair and maintenance historic buildings. of historic buildings and structures. The courses are designed for They are delivered by outstanding practising craftsmen who want to craftsmen who use their skills every specialise in traditional repairs, general day in the course of running their own builders and contractors, interested businesses, and who have a wealth amateurs and the owners of historic of knowledge and experience from buildings.

Tel: 03330 136844 Email: [email protected]

24 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Membership – A gift or bequest leaves a lasting legacy – please get in touch Membership Information Why do people join societies? We hope, achieve this goal, see page 5. in the case of the SPS, prospective Going back to the original question members recognise a serious we hear why some people do not join To discuss legacies and bequests or organisation bent on upholding what is societies and groups today - but events request an additional Suffolk View best in Suffolk and ensuring others have with like-minded people in historic please telephone 01787 247179. the opportunity to enjoy it, seeing a venues to hear interesting talks on beautiful county, well planned and valued subjects that attract them is our focus. New Joiner’s Membership – available in to the future, see Foreword on page 3. by standing order online: We make our activities variable in time This prospect is harder to achieve than it scale as well as interest. But, importantly, Household - £30 per annum may sound. Through the planning system Parish Councils & Amenity Societies - joining the membership of the SPS adds SPS strives to attain good planning another voice to the list of those who £30 per annum outcomes by reminding local authorities care about the pressures on our lovely Organisations - £70 per annum of policy principles and precedent. We county, and local authorities and MPs Life Member - £500 are successful especially in the area of note this. Joining does not need to take heritage where policy guidance is less CPRE membership available online overridden by political pressure. It is members’ personal time either but is from £3 a month via the SPS website more diffi cult, however, with housing a commitment, through membership, link www.suffolksociety.org development especially during a time to our County’s well-being. Please pass also direct www.cpre.org.uk of home expansion supported by this message on, it is an important one. government economic policy. But we We rely on membership numbers in so A warm welcome to can attempt to deliver better planned many ways – please help us to achieve and well-designed housing; we owe it to a larger membership base which in turn new members who have those who will live in them as well as by contributes greater pressure on those joined since April 2017 acknowledging the impact they create on who need to hear our views, but if you Suffolk, should look appropriate to their can join in our events offer too, we would setting. SPS is working with others to love to see you. SPS households 10 SPS life 1 SPS organisations 2 DO WE HAVE YOUR LATEST EMAIL ADDRESS? THIS SAVES US SPS town & parish councils 4 POSTAGE CHARGES. CPRE households 4 PLEASE VIEW OUR WEBSITE WHICH IS UPDATED REGULARLY.

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25 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 SPS Events Review All our events aim to raise funds for the work of the SPS.

Recital of Music and Poetry From Holywells Park – tower and stables Tudor and Stuart Times In May the SPS St. Edmundsbury District Committee provided a well-attended concert in the Unitarian Meeting House, Bury St. Edmunds, of music and poetry from Tudor and Stuart times as part of the Bury Festival, followed by a lively wine tasting in the Chairman’s garden nearby attended by the Mayor. Not only was it enjoyable but it raised £300 for the SPS. David Rees, SPS Chair St. Edmundsbury District

Euston Hall In July SPS members visited Euston Hall, south of Thetford, by kind invitation of the Duke and Duchess of Grafton. The Hall which has been in their family for over 350 years has, in recent years, undergone major refurbishment along with major restoration works on the extensive grounds – 110 acres of parkland and 65 acres of pleasure grounds. It looked very All this was followed by an excellent restored to their former glory but have had attractive on the day of our visit when the tea in the Old Kitchen. Then there was several new features, and guarantees of weather was perfect. We were greeted by the opportunity to walk around the lovely future maintenance. the Countess of Euston and then escorted garden, a perfect and enjoyable afternoon of The Cobbold Brewery moved from indoors by the Estate Archivist and the great interest. Harwich to the Cliff Brewery on the River Events’ Director to look at, and learn about, Elizabeth Clement, SPS member Orwell. The family prospered and extended the stunning and newly rehung collection of their home, Pitts Farm, the family house at paintings, many of them famous portraits of Holywells Park, Ipswich Holywells, to elevate it to a status home. By the FitzRoy family, and others by renowned On a pleasant afternoon in August members the 1920s the family had moved on to Cliff artists. This is a special private art collection of the SPS enjoyed a visit to Holywells House and Glemham Hall, and had sold commenced by the Earl of Arlington in the Park in Ipswich, organized by the Ipswich Pitts Farm to Alfred Churchman in 1931 17th Century. Society. who generously gave it to Ipswich County An interesting talk by the Estate Manager Ipswich has magnificent parks, two of Borough Council in 1935. It was used as summarized the history of the Estate – of which were given to the Borough by the a park and the family house a community the Hall, from its initial construction through munificence of the Cobbold family. Both centre until by 1962, sadly, the house was radical change to the building we see today Christchurch Park and Holywells Park so ridden with dry rot that, apart from the and of the grounds, designed first by diarist suffered decline towards the end of the conservatory, it had to be demolished for John Evelyn, and later by William Kent and twentieth century. Excellent work has safety reasons. The park and its ponds, made Capability Brown. Importantly, the Estate’s brought grants from the Heritage Lottery famous by Gainsborough’s painting, grew commercial farm was also included. Fund so that both have not only been derelict. However, recently, the Heritage Lottery Fund agreed to the restoration of all the remaining buildings. These included the stables, tower and conservatory. Also included in the scheme was the recreation of the terrace, a maze and the park, including the ponds and walk. Holywells Park is returned now to its former glory. Our thanks goes to Ipswich Society Chairman, John Norman, who organized an impeccable event aided by knowledgeable Adrian Howlett who lead us around the ice house, miraculously restored, the gazebo, the spring and walks back to the conservatory and terrace. We enjoyed a traditional English tea in the stable block, followed by an enlightening talk by Anthony Cobbold, Chairman of the Cobbold Family Trust. Our thanks are also due to Nick Euston Hall Wilcox, the Park’s Manager. Mike Cook, Ipswich Society

26 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130 Diary Dates Support and enjoy events while raising important funds for the SPS! Check the website for full details www.suffolksociety.org BOOKING INFORMATION All SPS events are open to members and their guests unless stated otherwise. However, some events may take limited numbers for obvious reasons so early booking is advisable. Please book through the SPS office, unless an alternative is given – Little Hall, Market Place, Lavenham CO10 9QZ, email address [email protected] or telephone 01787 247179. Cheques are payable to ‘SPS’ and upon receipt names will be placed on a list – tickets not usually issued. However, where tickets become necessary for a particular event, this will be indicated, and we request you enclose a stamped-addressed envelope.

HERITAGE TRAINING DAY FOR Events 2017-18 PARISH COUNCILS AND AMENITY Spring 2018 GROUPS URBAN DESIGN TRAINING FOR Hosted by SPS Event PARISH COUNCILS & AMENITY Book through the SPS office GROUPS THE EVOLUTION OF SUFFOLK’S Hosted by SPS HAUGHLEY PARK BARN, HISTORIC LANDSCAPE Book through the SPS office Haughley, IP14 3JY Hosted by SPS Book through the SPS office STELLA PESKETT MILLENNIUM March: Tuesday, 20th HALL, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm HAUGHLEY PARK BARN, Mights Road, Southwold IP18 6BE Cost: £40.00 for up to 2 delegates Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3JY Free to SPS/CPRE members November: Tuesday, 21st April: Tuesday, 24th 11.00 am – 3.00 pm Local town and parish councils Time: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm Cost: £40.00 for up to 2 delegates play an important role as statutory Cost: £18.00 Free to SPS/CPRE members consultees when changes are made Open to all to the historic environment through Urban design is the term used to cover the planning system. This seminar will This special event examines the housing developments whether in towns, provide an update on important recent historic buildings, topography, villages or countryside, and whether just a changes in the heritage sector and settlement patterns and field systems few houses or many. inform councillors on ‘best practice’ which give Suffolk its distinctive historic when responding to heritage-related landscape character, and explains Too often the quality of mass design applications. Increasingly, town and the methods and techniques which housing is mediocre. Over the next 15 parish councils are the new front line in can be used to ‘read’ the history of years, 70,000 new homes will be built heritage management and this seminar the landscape around us. It focusses in Suffolk. What they look like, where will provide essential advice and skills on how the impact on the historic they are sited, how they are landscaped when facing the challenge of protecting environment came about and how will transform our towns, parishes and Suffolk’s special heritage. we manage it today. Interested in the countryside. Heritage professional, Bob Kindred ’s landscape and why This workshop will provide parish is a founding Director of the Institute of our towns and villages look as they do and district councillors with the tools Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). today? Then do join us for a morning they need to influence the quality of He is a casework panel member for the full of interest. design for the better. The programme is Society for the Protection of Ancient Dr. Richard Hoggett is a heritage delivered by Peter Dawson, an urban Building and a Member of the Royal consultant specialising in heritage designer and landscape architect at Town Planning Institute since 1975. planning and has provided advice to Essex Place Services. The day will consist A question and answer session and individuals, landowners, local planning of lectures and interactive small group coffee break are included, see website authorities and developers for over sessions facilitated by expert architects. for full details. twenty years. Light lunch will be served, There will be a coffee break with see website for full details. time for questions and discussion, see website for full details.

27 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

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28 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Autumn 2017 | no 130

Could this space be working for you? Why not advertise with us through this publication and help support the Society. Suffolk View is published twice a year with a circulation Size Cost per issue of around 2,000 per issue and is distributed free to all B/W Colour Members of the Suffolk Preservation Society/Campaign to Protect Rural England. In addition, copies are sent to Full page £270 £343 the local media, the county and local planning authorities, Half page (133mm x 186mm) £166 £218 professional bodies – architects, doctors and health centres, dentists, solicitors, veterinary clinics, the local media and Quarter page (133mm x 90mm) £114 £135 Suffolk Members of Parliament. It is also sent to libraries, Eighth page (64mm x 90mm) £83 £104 parish councils and amenity societies across the county, plus all County Branches of CPRE in England. For more Banner (50mm x 186mm) £83 £104 information contact the editor/office on 01787 247179.

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31 Little Hall Market Place Lavenham Suffolk CO10 9QZ A publication of the Suffolk Preservation Society Telephone (01787) 247179 Fax (01787) 248341 email sps@suffolksociety.orgLittle Hall, Market Place, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk C010 9QZ Respecting the past, shaping the future www.suffolksociety.org tel: 01787 247179 www.suffolksociety.org

Suffolk View is the publication of the Suffolk Preservation Society The SPS ethos is to protect and enhance the quality of the countryside, towns and villages of Suffolk. Its work promotes protection for the built heritage and wider landscape and supports sustainable development while agitating for improved design in new build. With planning and conservation professionals based in Lavenham, and with the support of members throughout the County, it is well placed to take effective action through the planning system to retain the integrity of Suffolk for the benefit of everyone, and for future generations. It is the only non-political, independent charity in the County to represent this interest.

Please join today and become part of the action to protect Suffolk. www.suffolksociety.org

SPS registered charity no 249981 County branch of CPRE