Heritage Statement
Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley
November 2014
Contents
1. Introduction 3
2. The Heritage Assets 4
3. Significance of the Heritage Assets 6
4. The Application Site 11
5. Impact of Application Proposals 19
6. Conclusions 25
Appendix 1: Site Plan 26
Appendix 2: Designated Heritage Asset Proformas 27
Appendix 3: Heritage Planning Policy Context 37
Appendix 4: Gawthorpe Hall Viewpoints (National Trust) 41
Contact Kerrie Melrose [email protected]
November 2014
1. Introduction
1.1 This Heritage Statement has been prepared by Turley Heritage on behalf of Burnley Football Club (BFC) to support an application for full planning permission for the erection of a new indoor training facility (Use class D2) with associated outdoor football pitches, access, car parking, landscaping, ancillary infrastructure and flood lighting to one existing pitch (the “Proposed Development”), at Stockbridge Drive, Padiham (the “Site”).
1.2 The Site is proximate to the grade I listed Gawthorpe Hall, the associated registered park and garden (grade II) and other statutory listed buildings. Gawthorpe Hall is an Elizabethan country house which, along with its gardens, were remodelled in the mid- 19 th century by the eminent architect Sir Charles Barry (1795-1860).
1.3 The purpose of this report is to assess the impact of the proposals on the significance of these designated heritage assets. Section 3 assesses the significance of Gawthorpe Hall, the registered park and garden and other relevant designated assets; including defining their setting and how this contributes to their significance. Section 5 sets out how the significance of the designated heritage assets will be affected by the proposed development and confirms the level of impact for each asset.
1.4 Our assessment is informed by a site visit, desk based research and experience of the prevailing legislative heritage policy and guidance context. An overview of relevant heritage legislation and planning policy considerations is set out in Appendix 3.
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2. The Heritage Assets
Introduction
2.1 The NPPF (2012) defines a heritage asset as:
“A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. 1”
Designated Heritage Assets
2.2 Designated heritage assets are those which possess a level of heritage interest that justifies designation under the relevant legislation and are then subject to particular procedures in planning decisions that involve them.
Listed Buildings 2.3 There are a number of listed buildings and structures within the vicinity of the Gawthorpe training ground. Those which are considered to be affected by the proposals are identified below; listed in approximate order of proximity to the Application Site. Detailed Heritage Asset Proformas, including Listing Descriptions, are included as Appendix 2 .
Name/Address Date of Designation Grade
Gawthorpe Hall and surrounding 1 April 1953 I balustrade
Terrace wall forming north 12 February 1985 II boundary to garden of Gawthorpe Hall overlooking River Calder
2.4 According to the National Heritage List (map search) there are two listed boundary stones identified on the Site. It has not been possible to locate either boundary stone and therefore the impact on the significance of these assets has not been assessed.
Name/Address Date of Designation Grade
Boundary stone at north end of 12 February 1985 II copse on playing field at SD 805 343
Boundary stone on playing field at 12 February 1985 II SD806 344
1 DCLG, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2012 – Annex 2: Glossary
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2.5 The potential for impact upon on the significance of the following designated assets in terms of their setting was assessed during an on-site inspection. It is not considered that these assets will be affected by the proposed development.
Name/Address Date of Designation Grade
Great barn circa 100 metres west 1 April 1953 I of Gawthorpe Hall
Former coach house attached to 12 February 1985 II east side of great bar at Gawthorpe Hall
Gate piers and boundary wall to 12 February 1985 II courtyard of former home farm to Gawthorpe Hall
Estate offices etc, on south side 17 December 1968 II of courtyard, circa 20 metres south of great barn
Game larder circa 30 metres west 17 February 1968 II of Gawthorpe Hall on north side of path to great barn
Gatepiers at Stockbridge Lodge 7 November 1975 II
Stockbridge Lodge 7 November 1975 II
Registered Parks and Gardens 2.6 The Site is adjacent to a registered park and garden which lies to the south of the Site across the River Calder.
Name/Address Date of Designation Grade
Gawthorpe Hall 1 April 1986 II
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3. Significance of the Heritage Assets
Significance and Special Interest
3.1 The NPPF defines the significance of a heritage asset as:
“The value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. That interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not only from a heritage asset’s physical presence, but also from its setting. 2”
3.2 This section assesses the significance of the previously identified heritage assets in terms of their special architectural and historic interest. The assessments are proportionate to both the importance of the assets and the likely impacts of the proposals.
3.3 Listed buildings are defined as designated heritage assets that hold architectural or historic interest. The Principles of Selection for Listed Buildings 3 are published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and supported by English Heritage’s Listing Selection Guides for each building type.
3.4 English Heritage holds a register of parks and gardens with historic interest. The designation may complement other designations such as listed buildings. The published Register lists the criteria against which sites are assessed for inclusion.
Setting and Significance
3.5 The setting of a heritage asset is defined by the NPPF to comprise:
“The surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the significance of an asset, may affect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral. 4”
3.6 The assessment of significance includes each asset’s setting in reference to English Heritage’s guidance on ‘The Setting of Heritage Assets’ 5 and comprises:
• The asset’s physical surroundings;
• Experience of the asset; and
• An asset’s associative attributes.
2 DCLG, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2012 – Annex 2: Glossary. 3 DCMS, Principles of Selection for Listed Buildings 2010. 4 DCLG, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2012 – Annex 2: Glossary. 5 English Heritage, The Setting of Heritage Assets 2011.
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3.7 These attributes have informed the following assessments of the contribution of setting to the significance of the listed buildings and registered park and garden.
Assessment
Listed Buildings 3.8 The following summaries provide an overview of the significance and setting of the listed buildings within the vicinity of the Appeal Site that may be affected by the application proposals. Detailed Heritage Asset Proformas, including Listing Descriptions, are included as Appendix 2.
Name Summary of Significance and Setting
Gawthorpe Hall and Gawthorpe Hall is an Elizabethan country house constructed surrounding between 1600 and1605 which is attributed to Smythson. It is of balustrade outstanding interest in its age and rarity, and the only example of its type in Lancashire. The eminent architect Sir Charles Barry remodelled the Hall and its gardens in the mid-19th century.
The formal gardens make a substantial contribution to the architectural interest and aesthetic value of the Hall. Whilst Barry’s formal parterres to the south have been lost; the terracing survives. It frames the Hall and adds grandeur to the principal south elevation.
The woodland element of the gardens on three sides of the Hall to the east, south and west combined with the rising landscape to the south, create a sense of enclosure which has preserved the historic character of the Hall by providing distance and screening from later development which surrounds the estate to the south and west along Burnley Road. The woodland paths provide glimpsed views of the Hall. The woodland opens up north of the Hall providing panoramic views north; ‘borrowing’ the rural landscape between the Hall and Pendle Hill. Both are important elements of how the architecture of the Hall is experienced and appreciated.
The Hall’s setting to the north was altered by the diversion of the River Calder away from the Hall in the early 19th century. The parterre and terrace north of the Hall were constructed as part of Barry’s remodelling, to take advantage of views across the countryside to Pendle Hill. The restoration of the river to its original course in the 1960s altered this planned view. The topography and vegetation along the restored river course limits the extent to which the valley is visible from the terrace and parterre. North-facing rooms of the Hall give sufficient elevation to allow views over the river, although the trees in the
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foreground continue to fragment views of the playing fields.
Stockbridge Drive, currently the principal approach to the Hall, arrives from the north-east through woodland which for part of its length has an avenue of trees. Neighbouring housing, a school with associated sports facilities including a flood-lit all weather pitch, training ground and associated recreation fields, visible from Stockbridge Drive, diminish the historic character of the approach to the Hall.
Views to Gawthorpe Hall from the surrounding area are restricted due to its enclosed woodland surroundings. Distant views of the Hall are only possible from the north. In these views, the topography emphasises the height and compact nature of the Hall.
Due to much of the Hall’s setting being defined by deciduous woodland, the way in which it is experienced varies throughout the seasons.
There is an associative relationship with the Great Barn (Grade I listed) and other estate buildings (Grade II listed) located to the west of the Hall.
Terrace wall forming A fine Neo-Elizabethan balustraded terrace forming an north boundary to important element of Gawthorpe Hall’ s designed gardens by garden of Gawthorpe eminent architect Charles Barry (1795-1860). The seats at Hall overlooking River either end of the terrace were designed by Barry’s son, Calder Edward Middleton Barry.
The terrace was created to provide a flat level for the parterre and to take advantage of views to the north, which as previously mentioned, has since been altered. The view would likely have been much more open and not screened by the trees which now line the river along its restored course . Although the view has altered, it remains sufficiently open for the terrace’s function in experiencing views northward to be legible. Therefore the views north do contribute to the significance of the asset, albeit less so than if th e intended openness of the view had been maintained.
Parterres experienced a revival in the 19 th century after falling out of favour in the 18 th century when naturalistic English landscape gardens became fashionable. It illustrates an important aspect of the social history and fashions associated with country houses. Although the parterre has been simplified from the mid-19 th century design it remains an important
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element of the architectural and historic interest of the terrace and contributes to its significance.
The setting is dominated by the cliff-like north elevation of Gawthorpe Hall, and the enclosure of woodland to the east and west. These two elements focus views to the north, emphasising the purpose of the terrace and therefore contribute to the significance of the terrace.
The contrast between the formality of the parterre and natural beauty of the woodland and hills, separated by the terrace wall, is a defining feature of its setting. It emphasises the terrace’s location and function as a vi ewing point from the formal gardens across the rural landscape and it therefore contributes to the significance of the terrace.
The proximity and complementarity of the Hall’s architecture and the scenic setting add to the architectural interest of the asset. The asset has a strong associative relationship with the other elements of the garden designed by Barry (Registered Park and Garden, Grade II listed) and with the Hall (Grade I listed). The complementary architecture of the terrace contributes to the a rchitectural interest of the Hall. Its strong relationship with the Hall provides an associative relationship with the Hall’s estate buildings.
Registered Park and Garden
Name Summary of Significance
Gawthorpe Hall The gardens at Gawthorpe Hall have special historic interest Registered Park and as an example of Sir Charles Barry’s work; an architect of Garden national importance. They survive relatively intact and were designed for Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth during the period 1850-6 incorporating some elements of earlier 19 th century work.
Their formality reflects the 19 th century Neo-renaissance fashion following a period in the 18 th century when more naturalistic English landscape gardens were favoured.
Combined with the previously mentioned sense of enclosure, the scenic and predominately rural setting contributes to the historic character of the formal gardens by preventing visual intrusion of later development. At the edge of the woodland,
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particularly to the south and west where the Registered Park and Garden abuts suburban development along the A671 Burnley Road, later development can be seen and heard from the Registered Park and Garden and the historic character is therefore reduced. In most cases this does not detract from the significance of the asset because the woodland is performing its purpose as a backdrop to and enclosing the formal gardens. However, as previously mentioned modern development in the setting of the Registered Park and Garden around Stockbridge Drive has reduced the historic character of the approach to the Hall. Therefore this part of the setting does not contribute to the significance of the Registered Park and Garden.
The asset is primarily experienced in the formal setting of the Hall with the wider woodland experienced on approach to the Hall and as a backdrop. The woodland paths provide glimpsed and revealed views of the Hall and surrounding countryside which change throughout the seasons and add to the artistic value and historic character of the gardens.
The rural landscape to the north provides an expansive setting. The terrace and parterre to the north of the Hall was created by Barry to exploit views to the north, which have since changed, as previously described. The views contribute to the significance of the Registered Park and Garden, although this is a limited contribution when the trees are in leaf. Due to the screened view from the terrace, the expansive setting is best appreciated from footpaths along the eastern boundary of the Registered Park and Garden.
There is a strong associative relationship with Gawthorpe Hall, and the other statutory listed estate buildings within the Registered Park and Garden, which provide the context to which the gardens relate and contribute to their historic character. Barry’s design complements the architecture of the Hall and they mutually reinforce each other’s significance.
The enclosed woodland prevents external views to the formal elements of the gardens; the principal element of Barry’s scheme. In this way the immediate formal garden setting of the Hall cannot be appreciated except in close proximity of the Hall. Therefore it is not considered that external views contribute to the significance of the Registered Park and Garden.
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4. The Application Site
Site Location and Description
4.1 The Application Site is includes two separate areas of Burnley Football Club’s Gawthorpe Training Academy. The main part of the Site lies immediately north of the River Calder, approximately half a mile north-east of Padiham and is an area of low- lying fields in the river valley accessed from Home Farm via a bridge over the River Calder. The Site is predominately used for playing fields with unused grassed areas, three copses of trees and a paladin fence along the eastern boundary. There are currently no buildings on the Site. The playing fields have pitch markings and temporary goalposts. South of the Site is Gawthorpe Hall, a grade I listed Elizabethan country house and its associated Registered Park and Garden. The second area is an existing playing field, south west of the main Site and north of Stockbridge Drive. A Site Plan is included in Appendix 1.
Historic Development
4.2 Historic map evidence suggests the Site has historically been part of the Gawthorpe Hall estate. Gawthorpe Hall was built between 1600 and 1605. Some sources 6 indicate it incorporates an earlier peel tower structure however there is no conclusive evidence to support this.
4.3 A painting attributed to Leonard Knyff (1650-1721) and a c1816 detailed estate map, both contained within the National Trust Gawthorpe Hall guidebook 7, indicate the character of the Hall and its setting prior to Sir Charles Barry remodelling of the Hall and gardens in the mid-19 th century. The map shows a water course in the natural location of the River Calder; however the accompanying text indicates that the river had already been diverted away from the Hall by this time and that the water course shown is the former river bed. The painting shows a formal walled garden to the front of the Hall which by c1816 had been removed and replaced by a carriage way terminating Stockbridge Drive. There is a plantation forming an L-shape to the south and east of the Hall. The sources suggest the landscape to the north of the Hall north was substantially more open than it is today.
4.4 The 1848 Lancashire and Furness Map (Fig 1.1) shows the Site and Gawthorpe Hall immediately prior to Sir Charles Barry’s remodelling. The River Calder is shown in its altered course to the north of the Site. Stockbridge Drive remains the sole approach to the Hall. No tree coverage is indicated in the area north of the Hall, suggesting the landscape remained open at this time.
6 Victorian Country History: A History of the County of Lancashire, 1911 7 National Trust. Gawthorpe Hall. 2013.
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Figure 1.1 1848 Lancashire and Furness Map 1:10,000
Figure 1.2 1891 Lancashire and Furness Map 1:2,500
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4.5 The 1891 Lancashire and Furness Map (Fig 1.2) shows the detail of Barry’s design; the semi-circular parterre and terrace north of the Hall, the formal gardens to the south, both carriage way approaches and woodland paths. There is a walled garden to the east of the Hall and a reservoir to the south. By this date the area of woodland has been substantially extended and encloses the Hall on three sides.
4.6 Sir Charles Barry’s architectural drawings for the works at Gawthorpe are kept at the Lancashire County Council Archives. They show the extent of Barry’s alterations which briefly comprise; heightening the staircase tower, adding openwork parapets, interior restoration and furnishing schemes, and the formal gardens. Barry’s intention was to perfect rather than alter the original character of the building:
“When Mr Barry was consulted by Sir James P.K. Shuttleworth, in 1849, he felt unwilling to make any considerable alterations. All he thought needful was to give importance to the tower and chimneys, by raising them so as to produce greater boldness in the sky- line, and to surround the building with a pierced parapet of the characteristic Elizabethan style. The changes were not great, but they all tended to perfect and render more striking the original character of the building. 8”
4.7 Sir Barry’s designs show a mindfulness of the Hall’s setting and relationship with the surrounding landscape, as described in Section 3. Oriel windows are typically a devise used to exploit views and are present on the west and east elevations; terminating each end of the Long Gallery and an additional oriel in the Huntroyd Room. Barry’s plans indicate that although minor works to the weathering and detail of the oriel windows were instructed, the oriel windows were part of the original Elizabethan design. The oriels provide limited views and their purpose can therefore only be surmised. They may have been used to provide symmetry to the Long Gallery and to the west elevation. In the case of the Huntroyd Room, the position of the west oriel provides evening sun to the principal bedroom.
4.8 The former route of the River Calder is still shown on the 1891 OS Map, with some individual trees along its course. The copse of trees immediately north, which remains to date, is shown on the map. A footpath between the terrace and river bed is present. Forest Drive, an approach to Gawthorpe Hall and Home Farm from the north across the Site is present, as is a series of boundary stones; indicating that at this time both pedestrians and carriages crossed the Site to access the Gawthorpe Estate. There is a cricket ground present on the Site, showing a historic use of the west portion of the Site as a sport fields. Padiham had its own cricket ground east of the town, which suggests that this cricket ground was for the Gawthorpe Estate.
8 Charle’s Barry’s son Alfred, writing in c.1867, cited in National Trust. Gawthorpe Hall. 2013
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Figure 1.3 1932 Lancashire and Furness Map 1:2,500
4.9 The 1932 Lancashire and Furness Map (Fig 1.3) indicates little change from 1891, except that the former river course is less clearly defined. The lack of individual trees along the former river bed and detail to the parterres could be the result of a simpler style of cartography used for this edition, or that the area had been cleared of trees to preserve views outwards. The avenue of trees along a section of Stockbridge Drive only remains on the south side.
4.10 The National Trust guidebook gives 1960 as the date when the River Calder was returned to its historic route and this is consistent with historic map evidence which shows the river course had been restored by 1962 (Lancashire and Furness Map (Fig 1.4)). The Site is shown as playing fields with the cricket ground gone. Forest Drive terminates at the playing fields. The playing fields west of Home Farm, adjacent to Stockbridge Drive are also shown on the map.
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Figure 1.4 1962 Lancashire and Furness Map 1:2,500
Contribution made by the Site to the Significance of the Listed Buildings (as part of their setting)
4.11 The expansive rural landscape to the north of Gawthorpe Hall forms an important part of the setting of the Hall, associated Registered Park and Garden and terrace. The Site forms part of that landscape.
4.12 Having formed part of its estate, the Site has an associative relationship with the Hall. A cricket pitch and a drive to the Hall were located on the Site north of the river. The Site south of the river was part of the Home Farm. The current ownership and use of the Site means it is no longer associated with the activities of the Hall.
4.13 The south elevation of the Hall is framed by formal gardens to the front of the Hall and has a backdrop of hills to the north. Due to the topography and woodland, the Application Site is not visible from the south of the Hall except when the trees are not in leaf. During the winter months, the green fields of the Application Site directly north of the Hall can be appreciated through the trees. Therefore, part of the Site contributes to the backdrop of the Hall for part of the year.
4.14 As previously mentioned the woodland and topography around Gawthorpe Hall create a sense of enclosure. The Site itself has limited tree coverage and is low lying; therefore the contribution it makes to the sense of enclosure is limited.
4.15 Views to the north are an important element of the Hall and the terrace’s setting and contribute to the significance of these assets. The extent to which the Site is included in
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views from the terrace varies across its length but it is predominately screened from the terrace by trees lining the river course. The Site’s grass surface and copses are partially visible through the trees, as shown in Fig 1.5 and contribute to the layered rural views northwards, which provide a rural setting to the Hall. The Site therefore makes a positive, but limited, contribution to the significance of the listed terrace.
Figure 1.5 View northwards taken from west steps leading down to the terrace and parterre, north of Gawthorpe Hall.
4.16 A substantial part of the Site is visible in the foreground of views northwards to Pendle Hill from inside the Hall (see Fig 1.6). The open fields and copses of trees contribute to a picturesque, rural landscape. Whilst there is a distinction between the maintained grass of the playing fields and the unused grassed areas, both possess the character of green fields and the site, at least in part, has historically been used for sports fields. The panoramic view takes in an expansive area; within which the temporary goalposts are small features which have a negligible impact upon the view. The pitch markings were present when the photograph in Fig 1.6 was taken and, as the photograph demonstrates, are not visible from the Hall.
Figure 1.6 View northwards taken from the Education Room (north east room on second floor) in Gawthorpe Hall.
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4.17 The trees along the river course are deciduous and therefore in winter months there is greater inter-visibility between the Site and the terrace. Therefore the extent to which the Site contributes to views northwards will vary across seasons.
4.18 The low-lying position of the Site means it is not visible in views from Padiham Heights, identified by the National Trust as a key external view from the north (see Fig 1.7).
4.19 Overall this part of the Site, north of the River Calder, makes a positive but limited contribution to the significance of the Hall.
Figure 1.7 View (zoomed) from Padiham Heights looking south towards the Site.
4.20 The Playing Field south of the river, which forms part of the Site, is adjacent to Stockbridge Drive; the principal and historic approach to Gawthorpe Hall. This part of the Application Site is one of the previously mentioned elements which, in addition to neighbouring housing and school with a flood-lit all-weather pitch, diminish the historic character of the approach to the Hall.
Contribution made by the Site to the Significance of the Registered Park and Garden (as part of its setting)
4.21 The Site north of the river forms part of the rural landscape which contrasts with the formal gardens of the Hall. Despite parts of the Site, currently used as playing fields, being more manicured than others these areas maintain their character as fields and the contrast between rural and formal is maintained. As previously identified, the asset is primarily experienced from within the formal gardens themselves due to their enclosure and therefore experience of setting is, to a large extent, confined to the north. Similarly
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to the listed buildings, the contribution of the Site to the setting of the Registered Park and Garden from the formal gardens is limited due to the screening of trees along the river course. The design of the parterre and terrace and their rural setting to the north can be appreciated from north-facing rooms in the Hall. The Site contributes to this rural setting as previously described in paragraphs 4.15 - 4.17.
4.22 As previously mentioned the topography, woodland and surrounding agricultural land has predominately conserved the historic character of the asset by preventing the intrusion of modern development. The approach along Stockbridge Drive is an area where the historic character of the Registered Park and Garden has been diminished by development within its setting including the playing field which forms part of the Site south of the river.
4.23 Overall the Site makes a positive, but limited contribution to the significance of the Designated Park and Garden, with the exception of the part of the Site south of the river. This is part of the 20 th century development which is visible from Stockbridge Drive and diminishes the historic character within this part of the Registered Park and Garden which is significant as the historic approach to the Hall with an avenue of trees.
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5. Impact of Application Proposals
Introduction
5.1 The relevant heritage policy and guidance context for consideration of the Proposed Development is set out in full in Appendix 3. This includes the statutory duty of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990, national policy set out in the NPPF, and local policy for the historic environment, as well as other national guidance.
5.2 In determining the application, Burnley Council has a statutory duty under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act to have “ special regard to the desirability of preserving” the listed buildings and their setting (s66(1)).
5.3 Recent case law has confirmed that Parliament’s intention in enacting section 66(1) was that decision-makers should give “considerable importance and weight” to the desirability of preserving the setting of listed buildings, where “preserve” means “to do no harm” (after South Lakeland). This duty must be borne in mind when considering any harm that may accrue and the balancing of such harm against public benefits as required by national planning policy.
5.4 The impact of a development on the historic character of a Registered Park and Garden is a material consideration, the weight afforded to which, is a matter of professional judgement for the decision maker.
5.5 In accordance with the requirements of the NPPF the significance, including the contribution made by setting to the significance of the identified heritage assets, has been described at Section 3.
5.6 One of the twelve core planning principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is that planning should:
“conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations.”
5.7 Paragraph 131 states that local planning authorities should take account of the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets, and putting them into viable uses consistent with their conservation, as well as the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.
5.8 Paragraph 132 of the NPPF also highlights that when considering the impact of proposals on the significance of designated heritage assets great weight should be given to their conservation, and the more important the asset the greater the weight should be. Any harm to, or loss, of significance of a designated heritage asset should require clear and convincing justification.
5.9 Paragraph 133 of the NPPF is applicable where a proposed development will lead to ‘substantial harm’ to or ‘total loss of’ the significance of a designated heritage asset. In these circumstances local planning authorities should refuse consent unless it can be demonstrated it is necessary in order to deliver substantial public benefits that outweigh
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such harm or loss. Alternatively, the following apply – the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable use of the site; no viable use of the heritage asset can be found; conservation by grant funding or some form of charitable or public ownership is not possible; and, the harm or loss is outweighed by bringing the site back into use.
5.10 Paragraph 134 applies where a development proposal will lead to ‘less than substantial harm’ to the significance of a designated heritage asset. In these circumstances the harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal.
5.11 Paragraph 137 encourages local planning authorities to look for opportunities for new development with the setting of heritage assets to enhance or better reveal their significance. It also establishes that proposals that preserve those elements of setting that make a positive contribution to or better reveal the significance of the asset should be treated favourably.
5.12 Importantly, Annex 2 of the NPPF defines “conservation” as the process of maintaining and managing change to a heritage asset in a way that sustains and, where appropriate, enhances significance. It is not a process that should prevent change.
Impact on Significance
5.13 Full planning permission is sought for the erection of a new indoor training facility (Use class D2) with associated outdoor football pitches, access, car parking, landscaping, ancillary infrastructure and flood lighting to one existing pitch. With the exception of the flood lighting, all development is proposed north of the River Calder. The flood lighting is for an existing football pitch south of the river in the vicinity of Stockbridge Drive. A Site Plan is contained in Appendix 1.
5.14 A Design, Access and Sustainability Statement, prepared by Campbell Driver Partnership, sets out the design rationale and 3D images for the proposals.
5.15 The assessment criteria from English Heritage’s best practice 9 have been utilised in this section. It provides an agreed framework for articulating the nature and magnitude of impacts of development upon the significance of heritage assets through change to their setting.
5.16 Following a meeting between Zerum Planning and the National Trust on 6 th October 2014, the National Trust provided a set of key views which establish the extent of the main visual setting of Gawthorpe Hall. The National Trust viewpoint plans are included in Appendix 4 . Three site visits have been undertaken to the grounds and inside Gawthorpe Hall and the wider setting as far as Padiham Heights. From the site visits additional viewpoints were identified for analysis. A pre-application meeting took place on 22 nd October with officers from Burnley Council, including the Conservation Officer where the key views for the Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and the structure of the Heritage Statement were agreed. A pre-application site visit was held with English Heritage on 26 th November.
9 English Heritage (2011) The Setting of Heritage Assets.
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Location and Siting of Development
Training Facility 5.17 The new training facility building is distanced from Gawthorpe Hall to the west to avoid intruding upon views from the Hall.
5.18 As previously established, the Application Site contributes to the significance of Gawthorpe Hall, the associated Registered Park and Garden and terrace as part of their setting in views to the north and on the approach along Stockbridge Drive. The Site makes a limited contribution to the appreciation of the Hall’s architecture from the south during the winter months.
5.19 Due to its location at the western edge of the site, the new building will not be visible from the formal gardens south of the Hall.
5.20 The LVIA provides ‘a worst case scenario’ (winter view) of the impact of the new building in the view from the edge of the terrace (viewpoint 8). The new building’s location at the south west of the Application Site and the area of woodland in between, demonstrates there will be no material change in the view caused by the new building due to the screening provided by planting.
5.21 Viewpoint 1 in the LVIA is taken from the Education Room at Gawthorpe Hall. The room is located in the north east corner of the second floor and was chosen to illustrate where the site is most visible. The mullions of the window direct the view northwards and therefore the part of the Site which will contain the training facility building is not visible within the view as demonstrated by the LVIA (viewpoint 1).
5.22 The Huntroyd Room is a more significant room, being the main bedroom, and is located in the north-west corner of the same floor so views from this room have greater potential to include the proposed building. However, the window does not open, preventing the viewpoint from the room being used. Having assessed the view from the Huntroyd Room is not considered materially different to that from the Education Room.
5.23 Gawthorpe Hall’s tower provides 360 degree views of the Gawthorpe Hall estate, the Application Site, surrounding countryside and the urban settlement of Padiham. The proposed change therefore needs to be considered relative to the extent of the setting and its existing character. The training facility building will be visible in views north-west from the tower, although it will be screened by the woodland surrounding the Hall when the trees are in leaf. The facility would therefore form a small part of the extensive views. Unlike views elsewhere in the Hall and gardens, the elevation position provides an appreciation of the later development surrounding the Hall and gardens. There is a transition between the rural character to the east and north and the urban character of Padiham, as shown by Fig 1.8. Due to the location of the training facility at the west of the site the building would be appreciated with the urban context of Padiham. By keeping to the south of the Application Site, the building will be associated with the cluster of estate buildings.
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Figure 1.8 Panorama north from Gawthorpe Hall tower.
5.24 The area of the Application Site proposed for additional playing fields and landscaping was identified in Section 4 as being important in views northwards from the Hall and to a lesser extent the terrace. The location of the training fields maintains open views across the Site. The location of landscaping has been informed by the LVIA to minimise landscape impact.
Playing Fields 5.25 The playing fields are located directly north of Gawthorpe Hall. As previously mentioned, the use of this part of the Site for sports fields has been established. The proposals will extend this use across a larger area of the Site.
Floodlit Playing Field 5.26 This part of the Site is north of Stockbridge Drive, the main and historic approach to Gawthorpe Hall and abuts the Registered Park and Garden. As previously identified, the historic character of this part of the Hall’s setting has already been reduced by the proximity of 20 th century development. Due to the existing floodlighting on the adjacent football pitch and the school’s all-weather pitch to the south, it is not considered that the proposed additional floodlights will materially alter the character of the area.
The Form and Appearance of the Development
Training Facility 5.27 The proposed design is based on the following design approach set out in the Design, Access and Sustainability Statement: The design of the training facility building proposes a limited palette of natural materials, using timber boarding in varying section sizes and ‘charred’ colouring to form visual patterns that will mimic the vertical light and shade of surrounding tree cover and a living green roof for the ancillary building to blend with the surrounding tree cover.
Playing Fields 5.28 Presently the colour of the maintained playing fields varies from the disused area of the Site. The variation emphasises the green colour of the existing playing field. However, the green of the playing field is compared with the field to the east which is currently used for grazing sheep the distinction is less pronounced. The proposal is an opportunity to harmonise the appearance of the site whilst still maintaining the character of green fields in the foreground of views.
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5.29 Whilst the grass will be better maintained, the Site will retain its character as green fields. The distinction between the formal gardens and the landscape beyond is maintained.
5.30 The playing fields will be used on a rotation system, as set out in the Planning Statement, and there will be no increase in the number of goalposts, dug outs and flags as a result of the Application. There will be pitch marking on the fields in use but these are temporary and fade. As previously mentioned and illustrated by Fig 1.6, the markings on the existing pitches are not visible in views from Gawthorpe Hall.
5.31 The landscaping extends the areas existing of trees on the site, including extensions to the central copse. This copse cannot be distinguished in views from the terrace or inside the Hall. There is no evidence to suggest that the copse was planned as part of a designed landscape. The addition of trees on the Application Site does not alter the character of the Site and is part of the landscape mitigation scheme.
5.32 As previously identified, the approach along Stockbridge Drive contributes to the significance of the Hall and gardens. The floodlighting design is set out in the Lighting Submission and is comparable to other floodlighting in the vicinity (the school and adjacent pitches). On approach to the Hall, the Site is viewed through trees and the vertical emphasis of the columns will not be discordant with this. The floodlights are to be used at dusk only and not for prolonged periods. It is therefore considered that the additional floodlighting will not change the character of the area and therefore there will be no harm to the significance of Gawthorpe Hall and the Registered Park and Garden.
Statutory Duties and NPPF
5.33 The statutory duty to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the special interest and setting of a listed building are matters which should be accorded considerable importance and weight. The presumption is therefore that development proposals should not give rise to harm to the special interest of a listed building.
5.34 The NPPF also requires that great weight is given to the conservation of designated heritage assets and this reflects the statutory duties of the 1990 Act with respect to listed buildings. Conservation is defined by the NPPF as the process of maintaining and managing change to heritage assets in ways that sustain, and where appropriate, enhance their significance.
5.35 In the event that harm is perceived to arise from proposals, the NPPF provides a policy framework at paragraphs 133 and 134 within which such harm can then be weighed against public benefits (133) or substantial public benefits (134) bearing in mind the ‘considerable weight’ to be attached to the statutory duty.
5.36 Based on the above and taking into consideration the contribution of the Site, the location and siting of the Proposed Development and its form and appearance, we have concluded that the Proposed Development would preserve the setting in accordance with s66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
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Local Planning Policy Considerations
5.37 Policy E10 of The Burnley Local Plan (adopted 2006) states that “ The Council will not permit proposals which adversely affect the character, architectural or historic interest of a Listed Building, or its setting. ” Proposals will only be permitted where they “ have no adverse effect on the setting of the building, including trees, walls, gardens, and any other structure or object within the curtilage of the building.” As set out in paragraph 5.36, the Proposed Development causes no harm to Gawthorpe Hall and the terrace and is therefore consistent with Policy E10 of the Local Plan.
5.38 Policy E17 relates to Historic Parks and Gardens and states that “The Council will seek to preserve and enhance the Parks and Gardens included in English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. Development within and adjoining historic parks and gardens, will be permitted provided that all of the following criteria are satisfied:
(a) it would not lead to the loss of, or harm to, the historic character, setting and appearance of the park or garden and any important landscape or ecological features within it;
(b) the proposals are compatible with the character and appearance of the surrounding area; and
(c) the site has adequate access and the traffic generated can be safely accommodated on the local highway network.”
5.39 The Proposed Development will not harm the historic character, setting and appearance of the Registered Park and Garden, nor are the proposals incompatible with the character and appearance of the surrounding area. As set out in the Planning Statement, there will be no increase in traffic resulting from the proposals. Therefore the Application is in accordance with the policies.
5.40 Policy E20 relates to views and states that new development will be allowed where it respects views. Similarly, Policy E27 Landscape character and local distinctiveness in rural areas and green belt, also requires that views are maintained. As demonstrated by the LVIA, the Proposed Development respects views from Gawthorpe Hall and the gardens.
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6. Conclusions
6.1 There is no direct impact on Gawthorpe Hall, the associated Registered Park and Garden and the terrace; the issue for consideration is therefore one of setting. Whilst the Proposed Development will lead to change within the setting of designated heritage assets, that change does not impact the significance of the assets.
6.2 Having assessed the significance of relevant designated heritage assets and the contribution that elements of setting, including the Site, make to that significance it is concluded that the Proposed Development will have no harmful impact on Gawthorpe Hall (grade I), the terrace (grade II) and the Registered Park and Garden.
6.3 In relation to these heritage assets, the Proposed Development accords with the objectives of the statutory duties of the 1990 Act and NPPF. The proposals also accord with the requirements of Policies E10, E17, E20 and E27 of the Burnley Local Plan.
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Appendix 1: Site Plan
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Appendix 2: Designated Heritage Asset Proformas
Site Address Gawthorpe Hall and surrounding balustrade
Heritage Asset
Listed Building Grade I 1 April 1953
Image
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List Description Country house, 1600-1605, for Rev. Lawrence Shuttleworth, possibly to plans influenced by Robert Smythson; altered c.1850-60 by Sir Charles Barry; now museum. Coursed sandstone with ashlar dressings. This house is the only example in this county of the lat e Elizabethan type associated with Smythson (e.g. Wollaton, Hardwicke, Bolsover, Worksop). Relevant features of the building are: the compact plan within a rectangle, surrounding a tower (which is off-centre and possibly of medieval origin); the high 3-sto rey elevations over a basement kitchen (basement exposed at rear making 4 storeys) with the tower rising above; the symmetrical 5-bay facade composed of full- height porch and flanking semi-octagonal bays; and the internal plan placing the great hall not in the centre but to one side. Original interior features of particular interest are the screen and gallery in the hall, the panelling and plaster work in the dining room (now drawing room), overmantels in two 1st floor chambers, and the long gallery on the 2nd floor. (For full information and other references see: VCH Lancs; Country Life 10 May 1913; Shuttleworth Accounts 4 vols Transactions of the Chetham Society, 1856; Mark Girouard Robert Smythson and the Elizabethan Country House (2nd edn,1983, pp.191- 2) ; D.R. Buttress Gawthorpe Hall, National Trust 1979; and Pevsner's North Lancashire.) Included in the item is the surrounding C19 balustrade c.2 metres from the walls of the house which is of stone in Jacobean style openwork, with obelisk finials on the pedestals.
Significance:
Architectural Interest
Gawthorpe Hall, an Elizabethan country house, is of outstanding interest in its age and rarity and the only example of its type in Lancashire. Constructed in 1600-1605, the Hall is attributed to Smythson based on stylistic similarities with other Elizabethan properties known to have been designed by the architect 10 . The compact plan, which Pevsner 11 describes as “rare but not unique” omits wings and courtyards and causes the Hall to appear very tall in its landscape. The drawing room in the south east ground floor corner (originally the dining room) is widely considered to be the finest room of the house. The ‘Huntroyd Room’ at the north west corner of the second floor was the principal bed chamber. Sir Charles Barry, best known for the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament as well as remodelling of country houses and their gardens, was responsible for the restoration and remodelling of Gawthorpe Hall and gardens between 1849 and 52. Pevsner refers to this as ‘an interesting example” of Barry’s work. Barry’s remodelling incorporated tiles, wallpaper, furniture and fabrics by A.W.N. Pugin and J.C. Crace. It replaced late 18 th century alterations by Robert Shuttleworth which were inconsistent with the Hall’s Elizabethan architecture. Sir Barry’s commission reflects the Victorian zeal for Jacobethan design. Gawthorpe Hall has group value with the associated estate buildings and structures and forms part of a nationally important group of works attributed to Smythson.
Historic Interest
Gawthorpe Hall has a long history. The land was held by Ughtred de Shuttleworth from
10 Girouard, Robert Smythson and the Elizabethan Country House, 1983 11 Pevsner, The Buildings of England, Lancashire: North, 2009
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1388 and the first records of a house on the site date from the 15 th century however, suggestions the Hall incorporated a 14 th century peel tower are unproven. The house was built for the Reverend Lawrence Shuttleworth and the estate was passed down through the family. Gawthorpe Hall has historic interest as an example of works by, or inspired by, Smythson with later alterations by Sir Charles Barry, reflecting Victorian design values. The Hall houses the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection and has connections with the Brontës.
Setting
Physical Surroundings
Gawthorpe Hall sits on a platform above the River Calder which passes c50m north of the Hall. Its immediate context is defined by the formal gardens created by Sir Charles Barry c1850 to rectify what he called “a fine picture without a frame.” The formal planting to the south has been lost; although the terracing survives and the pattern outline of the parterres can be seen in particular conditions (e.g. dry summers). The Hall is enclosed on three sides by woodland with open views northwards across to Pendle Hill. To the north are the tree-lined River Calder and BFC training fields, beyond which is agricultural land. The Hall’s setting to the north was altered by the diversion of the River Calder away from the Hall in the early 18th century due to pollution and was reinstated in the early 1960s.
The land rises gently to the south and south east of the Hall and is enclosed by woodland which screens the estate buildings from the Hall. There are two approaches to the Hall through the woodland, each with a Neo-Jacobean lodge attributed to Barry. Stockbridge Drive, the principal access to the Hall, approaches from the east to a car park through woodland and along part of its length is the remnants of an avenue of trees. Neighbouring housing, school with floodlit pitch, training ground and associated recreation fields visible from Stockbridge Drive, diminish the historic character on the approach to the Hall. Beyond the National Trust car park, the approach provides picturesque views of the south and west elevations of the Hall. As these elevations are considered by some accounts to be the only two designed by Smythson 12 , the appreciation of their architecture on approach to the Hall is an important aspect of Gawthope Hall’s architectural interest.
The formal gardens make a substantial contribution to the architectural interest and aesthetic value of the Hall. The formal gardens to the south frame and add grandeur to the principal south elevation of the Hall. The parterre and terrace north of the Hall were constructed to take advantage of views across the countryside to Pendle Hill. The restoration of the river to its original course altered this planned view. Vegetation growing along the river course has created a band of trees in the foreground which restricts views northwards from the parterre. North-facing rooms of the Hall give sufficient elevation to allow views over the river, albeit with a foreground view fragmented by the trees.
Experience of the Asset
12 National Trust. Gawthorpe Hall 2013.
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The topography of the surrounding landscape influences how the Hall and its setting are experienced. Combined with the surrounding woodland, the rising landscape to the south creates a sense of enclosure which has prevented visual intrusion of later development thereby preserving the historic and architectural character. The woodland paths provide glimpsed views of the Hall which change throughout the seasons. The woodland opens up north of the Hall providing panoramic views north; ‘borrowing’ the agricultural landscape between the Hall and Pendle Hill. The view north varies depending on the height at which it is experienced. The topography and vegetation along the river bank limits the extent to which the valley is visible from the semi-circular terrace and parterre. Elevated views from the north facing rooms of the Hall have a clear view across the River Calder and to Pendle Hill taking in the playing fields and predominately unspoilt rural setting. The location of the principal bed chamber and reference to a ‘Pendle Room’ also on the second floor, suggests these views have been long established as part of the setting and experience of the Hall.
Views to Gawthorpe Hall are restricted given the enclosed woodland surroundings. In views from the north, the topography emphasises the height and compact nature of the Hall.
It should be noted that because much of the Hall’s setting is defined by deciduous woodland that the way in which it is experienced will vary throughout the seasons and over time.
Associative Relationships with Other Assets
There is an associative relationship with the Great Barn (Grade I listed) and other estate buildings (Grade II listed) located to the west of the Hall.
Site Address Terrace wall forming north boundary to garden of Gawthorpe Hall overlooking River Calder
Heritage Asset
Listed Building Grade II 12 February 1985
Image
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List Description Terrace wall, c.1850-60, probably by Sir Charles Barry. Ashlar, surmounting a retaining wall of sandstone blocks; c.110 metres between east and west extremities, the centre third bowed outwards round a semi-circular formal garden directly behind the house, and the ends turned inwards to form ornamental benches; the parapet, which is battered on the outer face, carries Jacobean-style finials.
Significance:
Architectural Interest Sir Charles Barry (1795-1860) was an eminent architect, best known for the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament in addition to his work remodelling country houses and their
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gardens. The balustraded terrace wall complements the Elizabethan and Neo-Jacobea n architecture of the Hall. Barry’s son, Edward Middleton Barry, designed the seats and also collaborated with his father on the Great Eastern Hotel at London’s Liverpool Street Station, completed the Parliament buildings and designed the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The terrace was created to provide a flat level for the parterre; an element of formal gardens which experienced a revival in the 19 th century after falling out of favour in the 18 th century when naturalistic English landscape gardens became fashionable.
Historic Interest
The terrace forms a significant element of Gawthorpe’s designed gardens by eminent architect Charles Barry (1795-1860) which illustrate an important aspect of the social and cultural history associated with country houses.
Setting
Physical Surroundings
The setting is dominated by the cliff-like north elevation of Gawthorpe Hall, and the enclosure of woodland to the east and west which frames views northwards. The contrast between the formality of the parterre and natural beauty of the woodland and hills, separated by the terrace wall, is a defining feature of its setting. The proximity and complementarity of the Hall’s architecture and the scenic setting add to the architectural interest of the asset.
Experience of the Asset
The wall forms part of the terrace and parterre created by Barry to exploit views to the north as previously described. When the terrace was formed, the River Calder had been diverted away from the Hall and therefore the view would likely have been much more open and not screened by the trees which now line the river along its restored route.
Associative Relationships with Other Assets
The asset has a strong associative relationship with the other elements of the garden designed by Barry (Registered Park and Garden, Grade II listed) and with the Hall (Grade I listed) which includes a further balustrade designed by Barry included in its listing. The complementary architecture of the terrace contributes to the architectural interest of the Hall. Its strong relationship with the Hall provides an associative relationship with the Hall’s estate buildings.
Site Address Gawthorpe Hall
Heritage Asset
Registered Park and Garden Grade II 1 April 1986
Image
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List Description SUMMARY OF HISTORIC INTEREST
Formal gardens designed by Sir Charles Barry for Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth during the period 1850-6 incorporating some elements of earlier C19 work.
HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT
Gawthorpe originated as a small agricultural settlement within the Royal Forest of Pendle. Land was held by Ughtred de Shuttleworth from 1388 and the first reco rds of a house on the site date from the C15. The estate was passed down through the family but it was not used as the main residence from 1669 until 1816; Robert Shuttleworth then moved to Gawthorpe and instituted changes to the house and park. In 1842 Ja net Shuttleworth married Dr James Kay and the family was known thereafter as Kay- Shuttleworth. The Hall and park remained in the family until it was passed to the National Trust in 1970. It is leased from the Trust by Lancashire County Council.
DESCRIPTIO N LOCATION, AREA, BOUNDARIES, LANDFORM, SETTING Gawthorpe Hall is situated on the north-eastern edge of Padiham. There is open agricultural land on the north-west, north and east sides of the site. The Hall stands on a platform c 50m from the banks of the River Calder and the land rises gently to the south and south-east from the riverbank. The boundary is formed by C20 fencing of various types along the edges of woodland.
ENTRANCES AND APPROACHES There are two main entrances, both with Jacobean- style stone lodges (listed grade II) of c 1850, probably designed by Charles Barry (1795- 1860). Stockbridge Lodge is situated on the north side of Burnley Road c 750m from the centre of Padiham. Stockbridge Drive leads north-eastwards to the Hall; it is shown on an e state map of 1816 and an avenue is shown along part of its length on the 1st edition OS map published 1848. A double avenue begins c 100m north-east of Stockbridge
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Lodge. It becomes a single avenue which is lost as the drive enters woodland. Habergham Lodg e is situated on Padiham Road, c 800m east of Stockbridge Lodge. A drive leads north-westwards to the Hall. An opening in the north side of a wall surrounding All Saints church, c 80m west of Habergham Lodge, leads to paths through woodland which run north wards to connect with Habergham Drive. A secondary entrance, consisting of primary and secondary gate piers flanking Gothic Revival-style iron gates (listed grade II), is situated on the drive c 350m south-west of the Hall. Habergham and Stockbridge Drives meet at a point c 50m south-west of the Hall and continue, through C20 gates flanked by shaped slabs with the words ?Shuttleworth Gawthorpe? inscribed upon them, to the principal entrance on the south side of the Hall.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
Gawthorpe Hall (listed grade I) was built 1600-5 for Rev Lawrence Shuttleworth. The chief mason was Anthony Whitehead and although there are no records in the accounts of payments for drawings or a plan it is thought that the house was designed, or based on designs, by Robert Smythson (Girouard 1983). In 1849-51 Sir Charles Barry made various internal and external alterations including the addition of a Jacobean-style stone balustrade around the house. This was part of Barry's scheme to rectify what he described as 'a fine picture without a frame' and is integral to the formality of the gardens which were created on the north, east and south sides of the Hall.
Some 80m west of the Hall there is a range of estate buildings around a yard. These consist of the Great Barn of 1 605 (listed grade I), a former coach house of c 1870 (listed grade II) attached to the south side of the barn, and an L-shaped range opposite the coach house (listed grade II) which consists of estate buildings with C17 origins which have been altered at v arious times in the C18, C19 and C20. These have been converted for various office, conference and restaurant uses. The yard is enclosed on the north and west sides by a wall (listed grade II) with gate piers and a doorway at the south-west angle.
GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS The north front of the Hall overlooks the River Calder, which was diverted away from the building in the C18 owing to its polluted condition. It was restored to the original course in the 1960s. A balustraded terrace (listed grade II) in front of the Hall bows outwards around a semicircular radial parterre. On each side of this there is a balustraded terraced walk which terminates to both east and west with an ornamental seat surmounted by Jacobean-style cresting. In the stonework above the eastern seat there is a carved inscription with the words 'Kynd Kynn Knawne Kepe', the Kay family motto. A corresponding inscription on the western seat reads 'Prudentia et Iustitia', which is the Shuttleworth motto. The balustrading is similar in sty le to the balustrade around the Hall and this part of the garden was designed by Charles Barry in c 1850. His son Edward designed the seats. A view of 1847 (guidebook) shows that this arrangement replaced a terraced walk with balustrading which overlooked the riverbed.
Stone steps lead up from the garden on each side of the Hall. These have stone urns decorated with encaustic tiles designed by A W N Pugin.
On the east side of the Hall is the Rose Garden which consists of a geometrical parterre
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which was res tored in the late C20 to a simplified form of the original parterre, which was designed by Barry.
On the south side of the Hall a D-shaped gravelled area is aligned with the central main entrance. A formal garden designed by Barry c 1852-6 consists of a ce ntral rectangular lawn which was laid out as an elaborate geometrical parterre, shown in a photograph of c 1900 (private collection). Part of the design can be seen as parch-marks in the grass. Paths lead around the perimeter and terraces on the east and w est sides of the lawn are reached by stone steps. More stone steps lead to secondary terraces on each side. Aligned with the front of the Hall, c 50m south of the entrance, there is a flight of stone steps with urns, again decorated with tiles by Pugin, wh ich lead up to a terrace, and a walk slopes upwards to a further, narrower flight of steps aligned with the first. This arrangement gives the vista up the steps and terraces added depth by exaggerating the perspective. Both terraces have gravelled walkways which join with Habergham Drive c 80m to the west, and curve around on the east side of the garden to lead back to the Hall entrance.
On the west side of the Hall the earth is banked up to conceal an entrance to the basement and a mid C19 game larder (lis ted grade II) c 40m west of the Hall. A belt of trees partially screens the barn and estate buildings.
The garden is surrounded by woodland with ornamental underplanting which provides a backdrop and gives closure to the garden. A painting attributed to L eonard Knyff (guidebook) of early C18 date shows that the garden on the south side of the Hall at that time was walled and laid out with formal rectangular flower beds. A map of 1816 which was made for Robert Shuttleworth when he moved to Gawthorpe suggest s that the garden shown by Knyff was one of several walled compartments ranged around the Hall. By the time the view of 1847 was made, the gardens had been removed and grassland with clumps of trees surrounded the Hall on the north and east sides. The 1816 map shows that an L-shaped plantation sheltered the Hall on the north and east sides; this planting was extended during the C19.
KITCHEN GARDEN The kitchen garden is situated c 250m south-east of the Hall and it occupies an area marked 'gardens' on the 1 816 map. It is reached via a path which leads through woodland from the Hall. The garden has a range of stone cottages and bothies along its north side which have been converted to two houses. Some 10m to the east of the garden is a tall circular brick chi mney. The outer face of the east wall is of stone with stone buttresses. The other walls and all inner walls are of brick. Part of the wall in the south -west corner of the garden has been demolished. The main entrance to the garden is between the two house s on the north side where there is a rustic stonework tunnel. A map of 1921 (Cave) shows that this was enclosed with glass and that it led through to glasshouses along the north side of the garden.
Significance:
Historic Interest
The gardens at Gawthorpe Hall have special historic interest as an example of a formal
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garden by Sir Charles Barry, an architect of national importance, which survives relatively intact. The Jacobeathan structures within the gardens reflect the architecture of the Hall. They were designed for Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth during the period 1850-6 incorporating some elements of earlier 19 th century work. Their formality reflects the 19 th century Neo-renaissance fashion following a period in the 18 th century when more naturalistic English landscape gardens were favoured.
Setting
Physical Surroundings
Gawthorpe Hall is situated on the north-eastern edge of Padiham extending to the busy A671 Burnley Road along its drives. There is open agricultural land to the east of the site and playing fields to the north, beyond which is further agricultural land. This agricultural land provides a buffer between suburban development along the A671 and the gardens. The Hall stands on a platform c 50m south from the banks of the River Calder and the land rises gently to the south and south-east from the riverbank. The boundary is formed by 20 th century fencing of various types along the edges of woodland. The scenic and predominately rural setting contributes to the historic character of the registered park and garden.
Experience of the Asset
The asset is primarily experienced in the formal gardens around the Hall. The woodland element of the gardens was primarily designed as a backdrop to the Hall and formal gardens, although it is also experienced on approach to the Hall and along woodland paths. The terrace and parterre to the north of the Hall was created by Barry to exploit views to the north. When the terrace was formed, the River Calder had been diverted away from the Hall and therefore the view would likely have been much more open, not limited by the trees which now line the river along its restored route. The topography of the surrounding landscape influences how the gardens are experienced. Combined with the surrounding woodland, the rising landscape to the south creates a sense of enclosure to the formal gardens which has prevented visual intrusion of later development thereby preserving the historic and architectural character. Whilst the surrounding agricultural land does provide some separation from later development, there are where later development does abut the Registered Park and Garden, such as the previously discussed example along Stockbridge Drive. However, because of the woodland, this is screened from the formal gardens and Hall. The woodland paths provide glimpsed and revealed views of the Hall and surrounding countryside which change throughout the seasons.
Associative Relationships with Other Assets
There is a strong associative relationship with Gawthorpe Hall, which provides the context to the asset and the other associated statutory listed buildings within the Registered Park and Garden.
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Appendix 3: Heritage Planning Policy Context
The proposals for the site should be considered in light of policy and guidance in respect of heritage assets. The relevant excerpts of statutory duties, national policy, and regional and local plan policy and guidance relevant to proposals on the site are set out below.
Statutory Duty
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 In relation to the setting of listed buildings the follow duty is placed upon the decision maker:
“S66(1) In considering whether to grant planning permission for development which affects a listed building or its setting, the local planning authority or, as the case may be, the Secretary of State shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.”
The Barnwell Manor case in February 2014 which restated and clarified the law on heritage planning. The Court of Appeal found that Parliament’s intention in enacting Section 66(1) of The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 was that decision makers should give ‘considerable importance and weight’ to the desirability of preserving the setting of listed buildings when carrying out the balancing exercise.
National Policy
NPPF: National Planning Policy Framework, 2012 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was introduced in March 2012 as the full statement of Government planning policy covering all aspects of the planning process. One of the twelve core planning principles of the NPPF is that planning should:
“conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future generations.”
Chapter 12 outlines the Government’s guidance regarding conserving and enhancing the historic environment. Paragraph 128 outlines the information required to support planning applications affecting heritage assets. It states that applicants should provide a description of the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the asset’s importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance.
Paragraph 131 provides a positive emphasis with regard to determining such planning applications, stating that local planning authorities should take account of the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of the heritage assets, and putting them into viable uses consistent with their conservation, as well as the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.
Paragraph 132 further outlines that local planning authorities should give great weight to the asset’s conservation when considering the impact on a proposed development on the
37 significance of a designated asset. The more important the heritage asset, the greater the weight should be. Annex 2: Glossary defines conservation (for heritage policy) as:
“The process of maintaining and managing change to a heritage asset in a way that sustains and, where appropriate, enhances its significance.”
It also specifies that any harm to, or loss, of significance of a designated heritage asset should require clear and convincing justification. Paragraph 133 outlines that local planning authorities should refuse consent where a proposal will lead to substantial harm or total loss of significance, unless it can be demonstrated that this is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh such harm or loss, or a number of other tests can be satisfied. Paragraph 134 concerns proposals which will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset. Here harm should be weighed against the public benefits, including securing the optimum viable use.
In considering development affecting non-designated heritage assets, paragraph 135 only requires that the effect of an application on the significance of such an asset should be taken into account in determining the application. It requires decision makers, in weighing applications that affect directly or indirectly non designated heritage assets, to make a balanced judgement having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset.
Paragraph 137 states that local planning authorities should look for opportunities for new development within conservation areas and within the setting of heritage assets to enhance or better reveal their significance. Proposals that preserve those elements of the setting that make a positive contribution to or better reveal the significance of a heritage asset should be treated favourably.
Other National Guidance
PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment: Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide 2010 This practice guide from 2010 accompanied PPS5 and its purpose was to assist in the implementation and interpretation of PPS5 policies. Although PPS5 has now been replaced, the practice guide remains extant as a material consideration until new technical guidance on conserving and enhancing the historic environment is issued by the Government.
National Planning Policy Guidance This web based practice guide was made available online in March 2014. It provides detailed guidance to accompany the policies set out in the NPPF.
Department of Culture, Media and Sport Circular: Principles of Selection for Listing Buildings 2010 The Principles of Selection for Listing Buildings was published by the DCMS in 2010. It sets out the general criteria for assessing the special interest of a building in paras. 9 and 10, as below:
‘Architectural Interest. To be of special architectural interest a building must be of importance in its architectural design, decoration or craftsmanship; special interest may also apply to nationally important examples of particular building types and techniques (e.g. buildings displaying technological innovation or virtuosity) and significant plan forms;
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Historic Interest. To be of special historic interest a building must illustrate important aspects of the nation’s social, economic, cultural, or military history and/or have close historical associations with nationally important people. There should normally be some quality of interest in the physical fabric of the building itself to justify the statutory protection afforded by listing.
These criteria were used to assess the significance of the listed buildings in Section 3.
English Heritage: The Setting of Heritage Assets, 2011 This document sets out guidance on managing change within the setting of heritage assets. It elaborates on guidance set out in the Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide to PPS5. Section 4 provides a tool kit for assessing the implications of development proposals affecting setting.
Local Policy and Guidance
Burnley Local Plan The Burnley Local Plan, adopted in 2006, sets the land use planning framework for the Borough and promotes and controls development. On 1st April 2009 the Council received a direction from the Secretary of State saving all the policies in the Burnley Local Plan. The relevant policies relating to this proposal are:
Policy E10 – Alterations, extensions, change of use and development affecting listed buildings.
The Council will not permit proposals which adversely affect the character, architectural or historic interest of a Listed Building, or its setting. Proposals will only be permitted where they
(a) retain and repair features of architectural or historic interest;
(b) use appropriate materials and traditional working practices;
(c) have no adverse effect on the setting of the building, including trees, walls, gardens, and any other structure or object within the curtilage of the building;
(d) make provision for the appropriate recording of any architectural or historic features that are to be removed during repair or alteration; and
(e) are appropriate in terms of siting, size, scale and design of any extension.
Policy E17 – Historic Parks and Gardens The Council will seek to preserve and enhance the Parks and Gardens included in English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. Development within and adjoining historic parks and gardens, will be permitted provided that all of the following criteria are satisfied:
(a) it would not lead to the loss of, or harm to, the historic character, setting and appearance of the park or garden and any important landscape or ecological features within it;
(b) the proposals are compatible with the character and appearance of the surrounding area; and
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(c) the site has adequate access and the traffic generated can be safely accommodated on the local highway network.
E20 – Views New development will be permitted where:
(a) it respects skylines, roofscapes and views; and
(b) it does not detract from the public view of prominent or important buildings, or affect views into and out of Major Open Areas, by intruding into or on their margins
E27 – Landscape character and local distinctiveness in rural areas and green belt. All proposals for new development in Rural Areas and the Green Belt will be expected to contribute to the protection, enhancement and restoration of the Borough’s distinctive landscape character by:
(a) protecting critical environmental capital and key features in the landscape,
(b) protecting the setting of rural and urban settlements;
(c) protecting, enhancing and restoring archaeological and historical features;
(d) protecting farmsteads, barns, mills and other prominent buildings, and man made features such as ponds, lodges, and bridges;
(e) protecting and enhancing historic field patterns, including walls and hedgerows;
(f) seeking the use of local materials, or the nearest match, and vernacular styles in all new buildings, walls, and fences, and by resisting urban style lighting, materials and standardised detailing;
(g) maintaining views and avoiding skyline development;
(h) encouraging tree planting, woodland and afforestation of native species when appropriate in the landscape setting;
(i) protecting and restoring native species;
(j) protecting, restoring, enhancing, and creating habitats;
(k) reclaiming derelict land where appropriate; and
(l) by conserving and enhancing river corridors.
Burnley Emerging Local Plan Burnley Council is preparing a new Local Plan to replace the Burnley Local Plan. An evidence base has been prepared which includes a series of heritage appraisals. The Application Site and Gawthorpe Hall is not included within these appraisals.
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Appendix 4: Gawthorpe Hall Viewpoints (National Trust)
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Turley 1 New York Street Manchester M1 4HD
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