IHBC South West Region covering: Avon, , , , Gloucestershire, Scilly Isles, Somerset & Wiltshire

SW Bulletin No. 26 - May 2014

Railway Heritage Recognised Heritage Funding - A Glimmer of Light on the Horizon

Network Rail plans to rationalise the signalling of the railway network into 12 Media has incredible power to influence our thought processes and decision regional centres effectively spell the end making, especially where the facts may be unclear or otherwise ‘obscured’. for manual signal boxes by 2030. The So depending on which statistics you believe, the UK’s toughest recession traditional signal box with its distinctive post-1945 appears to be officially over - or is it? Many of us will be familiar glazed upper storey containing the various with still empty shops on the High Street and a glut of commercial levers and mechanical interlocking system hidden below will therefore become properties, especially in those market towns experiencing a consigned to preserved lines after over disproportionately high level of unemployment. Factor in that many of 150 years of distinguished service. English these buildings are poorly maintained despite being listed and the picture Heritage have worked with Network Rail does not appear as rosy as the economic analysts would have us believe. It to carry out an assessment of signal boxes is therefore heartening to hear about the first South West Heritage Funding across the country with the objective of Fair taking place in Exeter on 20 June 2014. Organised by the South West recommending ‘good representative Association of Preservation Trusts (SWAPT) under the banner “Finding the samples of the main pre-grouping (i.e. pre-1923) types for listing. 50 examples money for buildings now and in the future”, the event will provide the were submitted to the Secretary of State opportunity for anyone from churches, building preservation trusts, parish for consideration and to date 26 have and town councils and other organisations to attend a range of workshops received grade II listed status. Five of the and talk with prospective funders on a one-to-one basis. SWAPT Treasurer signal boxes are located in the south west Camilla Hale explained that specific emphasis will be given to “helping region on the lines of the former Great organisations develop effective financial strategies for future income Western (GWR), London & South Western generation, as well as addressing how organisations also encourage and (LSWR) and Somerset & Dorset Joint (SD) railways. John Minnis’ full report ‘Railway involve the community in the preservation and sense of ownership of their Signal Boxes: A Review’ (English Heritage heritage buildings”. Funders already signed up for the event include the research report series no. 28-2012) is Architectural Heritage Fund, Big Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, available from: http://services.english- English Heritage, Pilgrim Trust and the Viridor Credits Environmental heritage.org.uk/ResearchReportsPdfs/02 Company. Attendance costs £20 per person for preservation trust members 8-2012WEB.pdf. and £40 for others, including refreshments. The full programme with Malcolm James (with thanks to Alan Strickland) workshop options and booking information are available at: http://www.stroudpreservationtrust.org.uk/swapt-heritage-fair.html or e- mail Camilla Hale/ Mary Boucher at [email protected]. Malcolm James

AGM Exeter 18 July 2014

The next IHBC South West AGM will be held at St Stephens church, Exeter on Friday 18 July 2014. The venue is of special interest given its Anglo-Saxon origins and recently completed renovation works. Full Bournemouth West Junction signal box dates details of the event will be sent out by from 1882 and is a good example of the LSWR branch representatives next month. ‘type 3’ structure with its tall elegant form and http://www.parishofcentralexeter.co.uk The Church of St Stephen on Exeter High Street distinctive toplights above the horizontal sliding /st_stephens.htm (to south of cathedral) (© Parish Central Exeter) sashes (image © Alan Elliott 1992) Kate Baxter-Hunter IHBC SW Bulletin No.26 May 2014 - page 1 Lime Ash Floors: Materials and Repair - Technical Advice Note from Mike Wye & Associates Ltd.

Historically employed in buildings from “renovation” works in order to lay a initial hardening process is quicker than the 15th through to the 19th century, the concrete floor slab over a damp proof Option 1 in the first few weeks. This may term ‘lime ash floor’ encompasses a wide membrane. Although compliant with have a bearing on the chosen option and range of floor types and constituent Building Regulations requirements, such for an even quicker set Hanson NHL5 materials. Their light-weight construction impervious floor slabs are unsuitable for could be used as it has a quicker rate of set coupled with good load-bearing, aesthetic historic buildings because residual ground than NHL3.5. As with laying any floor and possibly fire-resistant qualities made moisture is forced to the periphery; where screed, the lime ash repairs require them ideal for upper storeys. Examples of it manifests itself as rising dampness. tamping and floating to a flat surface level lime ash for ground floor construction are with the surrounding retained floor. The typically found in storage areas rather Repairing an existing lime ash floor surface will also need to be trowelled to a than in reception rooms. Replication of the original constituent shine, using egg-white to lubricate the materials is virtually impossible given that process and provide water repellant The materials used in constructing a lime the local lime kilns which produced lime properties. Some types of olive soap can ash floor depended on local traditions and incorporating the fuel ash no longer exist. be used instead of albumen. included combinations of lime (burnt in ‘Reverse-engineering’ of a sample slab mix coal or wood fired kilns), sand or loam, is also difficult because many of the For more extensive repairs and/ or new broken brick and brick dust, gypsum constituents are inter-reacting to form a floors it may be possible to incorporate an (typically burnt from alabaster during the cocktail of chemical components. For insulating layer under the finishing screed 17th century) and even horse dung. Lime small patch repairs to an existing floor it is using expanded clay aggregates. This and gypsum act as ‘binders’ for the worth considering the use of a more makes the replacement floor more akin to aggregates whilst the ‘pozzolanic’ authentic range of ingredients in the a modern ‘limecrete floor’, the typical properties of brick dust and ash knowledge that these will harmonise constituents of which are as follows: more readily with the existing floor and be containing burnt clays accelerate the Ÿ A layer of geotextile membrane; less intrusive. chemical set of the floor slab by reacting Ÿ 100 mm approx. of loose-fill insulating with the lime. In addition, any hydraulic expanded clay or recycled foamed lime or gypsum present adds water- Option 1 This is a mix of lime putty, sand and glass insulant; setting characteristics to the mix. Ÿ pozzolans. The lime putty and sand are Another layer of geotextile membrane (to prevent slab ‘slumping’ into clay; Lime ash floors were traditionally finished pre-mixed at a ratio of 3 parts coarse sand Ÿ smooth and often egg white or curdled to 1 part lime putty and this premix is then 100 mm approx. slab of limecrete milk would be trowelled into the surface ‘knocked-up’ on site with the pozzolans. (expanded clay mixed with NHL5); Pozzolans are now manufactured on a to give it a polish and make it water Ÿ Finishing screed of 50 mm approx. commercial scale and examples such as repellant. These materials contain a based on NHL5 and sand. protein from the classification ‘albumin’ ‘Argical’ are highly reactive compared to The composition of the replacement floor (spelt ‘albumen’ in the case of egg white). their forebears. Four parts of ready mixed will depend on the depth available but the Albumin reacts with lime to form water- lime mortar to 1 part Argical and 0.5 parts screed can still be tamped, floated and repellant chemicals which are bound into by volume of coal ash will yield an trowelled to a smooth finish and polished the surface of the floor. It is similar to the authentic mix for repair purposes. Whilst with olive soap/ egg white. Alternatively, reaction used in tempera paintwork to the coal ash makes for a more historically regardless of the overall composition of bind the pigments into a mural surface. correct material, it could be reduced in volume if bulk sourcing proves difficult. the new floor it is possible to exchange the ‘limecrete’ screed with the more For upper floors, the lime ash floor was The pozzolans start reacting with the lime traditional ‘patch repair’ formulas set out usually constructed over a bed of reeds in the mortar mix after around 10 days earlier. The choice of materials will loosely laid across the joists or on lath and the reaction usually takes around one invariably be guided by a number of fixed to the joists with a layer of straw on month to complete. The floor should be factors, e.g. the speed of set required and top of the lath. The lack of a rigid protected during this curing period but whether the materials used for any repairs connection between the floor slab and the will gain sufficient strength to be walked can deviate from the historic formulae. structure gave inherent flexibility and on after only a few days. Note that works to floors in a listed allowed a degree of movement to be building will require formal planning and accommodated. For ground floors the Option 2 listed building consents from the local thickness of the floor slab was typically This utilises a mix of a Natural Hydraulic council, from whom advice should be around 2-3” (i.e. 50-75 mm) and their Lime (NHL), sand and coal ash similar to sought in advance of any work polished water repellant surfaces were the mixes trialled at Petworth House in commencing. ideal for storage purposes but could be from 2000 onwards. The mix would decorative as well (hence their occasional be 2.5 parts coarse sand to 1 part French Mike Wye use in the main living rooms). NHL3.5 and 1 part coal ash. Again the Director, Mike Wye & Associates Ltd. proportions of coal ash can be reduced if http://limecrete.net/index.html Many historic lime ash floors have necessary. The floor should be hard enough to walk on after a few days and its NB. Mike Wye runs specialist materials training unfortunately been lost during days for IHBC members. Please see his website. IHBC SW Bulletin No.26 May 2014 - page 2 Regional Planning Matters

Planning Appeal: 1 Crofter’s Cotham and Redland Conservation Area. and replaced with outward opening uPVC Court, Filham, Ivybridge, Devon An Article 4 Direction in respect of double glazed units and having “a heavy permitted development rights for the looking crucifix design which provides (APP/K1128/D/13/2209149) demolition of front garden walls and the horizontal rather than vertical The owner of a stone barn conversion formation of off-road parking was proportions”. The inspector considered sought planning permission to replace confirmed in September 2012. the new fenestration to be “incongruous some mahogany stained and painted and uncharacteristic of the conservation double glazing units with white plastic The council’s supplementary planning area as a whole”. The design and smooth uPVC fenestration of comparable sizes. guidance on off-street residential parking finish of the half-glazed uPVC doors was South Hams District Council refused in conservation areas (PAN6) places also highlighted as inappropriate and consent in September 2013 on the restrictions on the maximum access “compounds the harmful impact of the grounds that the proposed development width, namely 2-3 metres and less than alterations to the fenestration”. would adversely impact the character one third of the overall frontage. In and appearance of the (unlisted) building addition, original features such as gates and the setting of the nearby Grade II and piers should be re-used within the listed former farmhouse known as new design where practicable. Middle Filham. The inspector noted that the proposals In dismissing the appeal, the inspector considered that the replacement of the for the vehicular access had been timber windows with plastic double “sensitively designed in accordance with glazing would “cause considerable harm the principles set out in PAN6”, with the to the building (the original conversion of opening being “modest” within the which he judged to be “well-considered context of the property’s frontage and and designed”) and would not represent retention of over 50% of the garden and In dismissing the appeal, the inspector good design as required by the council’s the gate piers. opening. Both appeals concluded that the appellant’s policies”. The inspector noted that whilst were allowed because the inspector “unsympathetic alterations” should be other former agricultural buildings within concluded that the proposed reversed and any modern replacements the curtilage of Middle Filham had also development would not cause harm to should be in the style and materials of the been converted using plastic windows, the character or appearance of the original. these were not examples of good design designated conservation area. Charlotte Lewis and in no way set any precedent. The Kingsley Fulbrook contrast between the “rough” stonework Pink Cottages: of the historic buildings and the smooth, Planning Appeal: Too Bright for the Seaside! mechanical appearance of modern 47-49 Worcester Street, Gloucester Readers will no doubt recall the debate plastic was highlighted as “not (APP/U1620/A/13/2207460) complimentary” to the overall setting. surrounding the external redecoration of Grade II listed Lantern Cottage in Maureen Pearce The appeal was made against Gloucester City Council’s refusal to allow removal of Kennford, Devon as featured in Bulletin Planning Appeals: 13 Southfield a shop front and other alterations 25. The repainted pink scheme was judged Road, Cotham, Bristol including new uPVC windows as part of a to be particularly vibrant and “the wrong (APP/Z0116/A/13/2203390 and residential conversion. The key issue type of pink”. APP/Z0116/E/13/2203393) under consideration was whether the proposed development preserved or The owners of an 18th century Grade II The appeals were made under section 78 enhanced the character or appearance of listed dwelling in Sussex appear to have of the Town and Country Planning Act the Worcester Street Conservation Area. opted for a similarly fashionable and 1990 against refusals by Bristol City bright shade of pink - with predictable Council to grant planning permission and 47-49 Worcester Street comprise a pair of result at appeal! Despite their claim that conservation area consent for widening mid-terraced three storey properties, the colour was “appropriate to a seaside of an existing front boundary wall prominently sited opposite a number of location”, the inspector felt that it was pedestrian opening to permit vehicular listed buildings. Although the traditional strident in contrast to the very pale pink access. shop front had been replaced with an colour wash evident from earlier schemes unsympathetic modern version at some (and the muted colours of neighbouring The property is a large semi-detached time previous to the subject planning properties). Dismissing the appeal he Victorian villa and the key issue application, the upper storey windows ruled the scheme “discordant and an concerned the potential impact of the were timber framed sliding-sash types of unwelcome intrusion into the setting of enlarged boundary opening on the likely period origins. These were other listed buildings and the conservation character and/ or appearance of the subsequently removed by the appellant area”.

IHBC SW Bulletin No.26 May 2014 - page 3 39 Old Castle Road, Weymouth - An Intriguing Tale of Unsympathetic Development or Not?

Old Castle Road is located in the Wyke to the appellants having “previously Regis area of Weymouth and runs along received awards for their architecture” the northern shore of . that gave rise to additional concerns. The Large detached and semi-detached two local perception of the decision was that storey properties of 1930s origin the Inspector, an architect, was trying to characterise the area. The remains of a give the benefit of the doubt to the Tudor coastal defence fort stand at nearby appellant and fellow practitioners. In his Sandsfoot Castle, with the adjacent decision, the Inspector noted that the Sandsfoot Gardens forming a natural extension would be “markedly different boundary between the fort (Grade II* from its neighbours” and that “its position listed and a Scheduled Ancient at the end of the row would be unique and Monument) and the road. it would be set back from the road”.

In a formal response to the Council, the Planning Inspectorate stated that “the reasoning within this decision does not give a full insight in to the basis upon which the inspector reached his conclusions, particularly with regard to the effects of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area. I can only View of development from Old Castle Road (top) agree that the extension, as built, cannot and the “sculptural form” of the extension as reasonably be said to fit the character of seen from Sandsfoot Gardens in 2010 (bottom) the area. As to the appellants’ record as an architect, this is not relevant to the the extension was raised as part of the decision, the quality of the scheme being consideration in the case. The Council’s the important factor. This was clearly an Sandsfoot Gardens looking south towards the written representations to the Planning irrelevant factor, not a material condition fort with Portland Harbour beyond Inspectorate stated that: and should not have been included in the Back in July 2007, Weymouth & Portland Ÿ The approach adopted in this case did decision letter. However of more concern Borough Council received a planning not adequately reflect the character of is clearly the impact of the extension on No application for 39 Old Castle Road, a the house, either as one of a pair of 39 Old Castle Road itself. I can only agree private residence standing next to semi-detached properties, or having that on this occasion, both the reasoning Sandsfoot Gardens. The proposed regard to the character of development within the decision and the development development included ‘renovation’ of the on this section of Old Castle Road; itself falls some way short of what we all semi-detached house into two flats and would expect. For this I offer my full and Ÿ That a siege tower design concept has construction of a new three storey unreserved apology”. little to do with a Tudor Castle that was dwelling in the grounds flanking Sandsfoot designed specifically to accommodate Gardens. Refusal for the development was a battery of cannons; The letter made clear that those involved issued in October 2007 and the applicant Ÿ in the decision would be made aware of subsequently lodged an appeal (ref. Of particular concern is the mass and their short comings and the need to learn APP/P1235/A/07/2061540). The inspector height of the proposal, its manner of from them. Clearly, until the extension upheld the appeal in May 2008 on the connection to the existing building and was complete the justification for the grounds that “none of the design, scale or its overall visual impact. Council’s concerns may not have been Ÿ siting of the proposed extension (i.e. the Through its width, depth, height, self-evident, so complaining to the new dwelling with its modernist, location and choice of sheet materials, Planning Inspectorate was never going to rectilinear form) would harm the the extension would visually overwhelm reverse the decision. However, the character or appearance of the area”. the existing dwelling and introduce an message would seem to be that if IHBC unbalanced and crammed appearance. members have justifiable cause for However, on completion the ‘extension’ The Council also raised concerns over on- concern over appeal decisions then this raised considerable concerns from local street car parking and the effect of the should be flagged to senior management. Councillors and the public alike over who proposed development on the adjacent This will contribute to the learning process approved the scheme. Consequently this trees in Sandsfoot Gardens. These for all and is of course much cheaper than development was widely perceived as concerns were dismissed and the Judicial Review. Unfortunately, if built, giving “planning” a bad name in the area. rationale applied by the inspector appears you have to live with the consequences, highly questionable even today. Whilst regardless of how useful it may serve as an Whilst the effect on the setting of a listed the appeal decision seemed perverse to example of how not to do it! building was not included in the Council’s the Council’s planning department, it was specific reasons for refusal, the design of perhaps the inspector’s specific reference © Colin Ellis 2013

IHBC SW Bulletin No.26 May 2014 - page 4 Regional Development & Regeneration Focus (1)

Norton St Philip, Somerset structures. One of the schemes was to clad 'ugly' structures and £150,000 was Located in the Mendip countryside to the allocated to this proposal. To deliver on south of Bath, the village of Norton St this, an informal officer group was set up comprising Urban Design, Historic Building th Phillip has an impressive 15 century and Environmental disciplines. No strict church, several fine stone houses, criteria were applied for choosing the cottages, gazebos and even an buildings, but it was recognised that those Elizabethan dovecote. The George Inn dating from the 1970s and 1980s were with its distinctive stone plinth and timber particular cases in point. The pilot project framing is reputed to be one of the oldest is Kings Walk Car Park on Eastgate Street public houses in . The Duke of and if successful will lead onto further Monmouth narrowly escaped schemes being completed. The target assassination whilst staying here before completion date for the scheme is the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685 and the September 2015. resulting skirmish through the village proved costly to his forces. The new internal hall at Williamstrip Park with its elegant cantilevered staircase in : note Bassae and Corinthian orders The population of the village increased to over 1,000 during the second half of the Pompeii and Herculeum. Construction of 20th century, but was coupled with both elements utilises a wide range of marked reductions in local services. natural stone including Portland, Kilkenny However, the latest development by Bloor and Moleanus limestones, statuary Homes off the High Street has gone some marble and Connemara marble. Architect way to reverse these fortunes with new Craig Hamilton has received widespread retail and local amenities sensitively praise for his restrained and cerebral incorporated alongside housing in an approach in creating a natural overall eclectic mix of architectural styles. With The example below shows the building’s effect with painstaking attention to detail. frontage altered by the use of a variety of panels which can be different colours, styles and textures; with a ‘chameleon panel’ enabling them to change colour under different external light levels.

clear echoes of Poundbury in its layout, Interior of the new pool pavilion highlighting the massing and streetscape ‘punctuation’, classical proportions and continuous dado the ‘Fortescue Fields’ development is formed of Kilkenny Irish limestone generally accepted as a welcome boost for In nearby Bibury, the derelict cottage at the village. All of the architectural stone Charlotte Lewis (PhotoShop image © BBC 2014) No.29 The Square (as featured in Bulletin for the project was supplied by Hanson http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- 21) has been transformed. Repair works Bath & Portland Stone and includes Box gloucestershire-26834426 have progressed well over the intervening Ground and Hartham Park sources. two years and the Grade II listed property Over in the Cotswolds, the early 18th Malcolm James (images © QMJ Publishing Ltd.) is now almost ready for reoccupation. http://bloorhomes.com/developments/ century country house known as ‘Williamstrip Park’ at Coln St Aldwyn has recently been extended and a new Gloucestershire development added in the form of a an indoor pool pavilion within the grounds. In March 2013 Gloucester City Council set The extension replaces unsympathetic up a City Centre Investment Fund additions made to the house during the identifying a number of initiatives that 20th century and includes an internal hall would lead to an increase in the with elegant cantilevered stone staircase. attractiveness and viability of the City The pool pavilion is designed as a classical Centre; including a historic grants scheme temple with an interior inspired by Malcolm James for vacant buildings and lighting of historic (Williamstrip images © QMJ Publishing Ltd.) IHBC SW Bulletin No.26 May 2014 - page 5 New Access Staircase at Royal Porthmeor Studios Update William Yard, Devonport The £4 million restoration project at The Royal William Yard was designed by Sir John Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, Cornwall has Renny to supply the Royal Navy’s requirements been short-listed for a RIBA award with the completion of repairs to studio 18. This for beer, rum, ship’s biscuits and cured meat. important Grade II* listed building Built between 1826 and 1832, the Grade I listed provides workspace for local fishermen site remained in continuous use until the 1990s and artists. Internationally recognised and has subsequently been regenerated by artists who have worked at the studios http://www.bsjwtrust.co.uk/porthmeorren developer Urban Splash to provide a wide range include Ben Nicholson, Patrick Heron and ovaa.html Francis Bacon. of accommodation including residential, shops, http://www.longkentish.com/projects.php offices and restaurants. ?js=1# Alyson Cooper (image © Graham Gaunt).

Local architectural practice Gillespie Yunnie Architects of Totnes have just received an RIBA Your SW Regional Committee South West award for its bold contemporary design of a new steel staircase at the yard. Practice manager Lotti Jullien explained that an Chair access route linking the ‘dead end’ of the yard Maureen Pearce: [email protected] (by implicit virtue of its naturally defensive, Secretary peninsula location) with the green space of the Kate Baxter-Hunter: [email protected] peninsula above has always been a key part of Treasurer the regeneration masterplan. The staircase was Alyson Cooper: [email protected] designed to emulate some of the excitement Council Representative and surprise of journeying along the South West James Webb: [email protected] Coast Path; this journey being very different Immediate Past Chairman dependent on the direction of travel. Panoramic Ian Lund: [email protected] Views of the Tamar Estuary across into Cornwall Membership Secretary are concealed until reaching a glass viewing Liz Smith-Gibbons: [email protected] platform. In contrast, the entrance from the English Heritage Representative open space is through a steel ‘portal’ housed Caroline Power: [email protected] within a sunken ruin of an old military store. Private Practice Representative & Bulletin Editor Lotti Jullien http://www.gyarchitects.co.uk Malcolm James: [email protected] Policy/Consultations Colin Ellis: [email protected] Training & Events Val Harrison: [email protected] Cornwall & Scilly Isles County Representative Alyson Cooper Devon County Representative (incl. Plymouth & Torbay) Maureen Pearce Dorset County Representative James Webb Somerset County Representative Greg Venn: [email protected] Wiltshire County Representative (incl. Swindon) Helen Garside: [email protected] Gloucestershire County Representative (incl. South Glos.) Charlotte Lewis: [email protected] ‘Cuba’ Representative (incl. Bristol & Bath) Kingsley Fulbrook: [email protected]

INSTITUTE • OF • HISTORIC • BUILDING • CONSERVATION

Registered as a charity in England and Wales number 1061593 and in Scotland number SC041945. Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England number 3333780. Clockwise from top-left: View of staircase providing a link between the green space beyond the high retaining Registered Office: 3 Stafford Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4QZ. SW Bulletin is wall (right) and the Royal William Yard (left) with distributed by electronic means to registered members of the IHBC SW region. The views Devonport beyond; staircase at night showing integral expressed in SW Bulletin are not necessarily those held by IHBC Council or IHBC members lighting; view west over Tamar Estuary to Mount in other regions. Neither the IHBC or SW Bulletin editors shall be under any liability whatsoever in respect of any contributed materials or advertisements. Edgcombe, Cornwall (images © Richard Downer)

IHBC SW Bulletin No.26 May 2014 - page 6