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

SW Bulletin No. 29 - July 2015

Regional Training News Looking Forward: A better deal for all of our heritage? Your Bulletin is much later than scheduled Well, the General Election has come and gone and the various manifestos made for a variety of reasons which I won’t bore passing references to the built environment without anything specific about you with! The good news is that we have run two successful training events so far heritage. So nothing new there although the period of ‘stability’ which we are now this year and have others in the pipeline. entering gives a key opportunity to lobby Government for more essential funding for urgent repairs and buildings at risk, better protection, improved interpretation Despite the showers and wind, 19 May and so forth. The heritage of this country, its overall setting and sheer diversity are saw over 40 delegates attending the the envy of the world and explain why so many visitors flock to see it. Visitor Conservation of Traditional Thatch day at numbers to the UK in 2014 are estimated to be in excess of 34 million, spending South Petherton, Somerset. This was a over £21 bn. The heritage ‘boost’ to these figures cannot be insignificant and joint event organised by the IHBC and surely warrants a proportionate return from Government in helping ensure that Historic England, with specialist speakers our heritage continues to ‘attract’ and be maintained into the bargain. The New from the thatching industry and practical Statesman goes one step further and calls for the restoration of the demonstrations of the various materials. Ministry for Tourism and Heritage. I’ll vote for that! Malcolm James An illustrated write-up of the day will appear in Bulletin 30. Many thanks to Greg Anyone for Tea? Venn for organising the event and negotiating highly competitive rates! A recent addition to the statutory list is and the paintings had been lightly the former tea room at Priding Farm cleaned to remove surface dirt. Highcliffe Castle in Dorset was the setting overlooking the lower reaches of the for a June tour of this fascinating Grade I near in listed ‘Picturesque’ building which is Gloucestershire. currently undergoing major restoration works. James Webb laid on a packed Dating from circa 1910, the modest schedule which allowed delegates to ‘go single-storey timber-framed structure behind the scenes’ and comment on the standing on a brick plinth features a conservation methodology for the series of painted panels of named Victorian kitchen and historic panelling. topographical, marine, genre and botanical subjects in oil, with a wax top Surface treatments provide an essential varnish. Structures of this type built ingredient of the historic environment exclusively for leisure and recreational One of the painted panels depicting a which is all too often overlooked. The purposes are comparatively rare; more topographical scene; possibly St Mary’s at SPAB and Historic England are partnering so when the delicate nature and nearby with Saul (as enlarged on a research project that will investigate 1857-59 by Francis Niblett) © Historic England originality of the interior decoration the survival, care and repair of cobbled scheme are factored in. pathways in Devon; in order to define The former tea room is listed Grade II best-practice guidance for their ongoing and has list entry no. 1422531: care, as well as tackling associated access The Grade II listed farmhouse and and safety issues. The project findings will ancillary buildings had been the subject be presented at a conference to be held in of a photographic survey by English http://list.historicengland.org.uk/ resultsingle.aspx?uid=1422531 on 27 November 2015. Bookings Heritage in 1997, some time after the can be made through the SPAB: tea room structure fell into disrepair. Subsequent inspection in 2014 revealed NB. Access to the site is restricted but https://www.spab.org.uk/spab-events- the structure much better maintained, the structure can be seen from the awards/events Severn Way footpath. Tel. 0207 456 0915 Malcolm James

IHBC SW Bulletin No.29 July 2015 - page 1 Regional Planning Matters

Planning Appeal: Regents Circus, prominence and siting of the proposed Planning Appeal: Land at Swindon, Wilts. SN1 3DQ kiosk would detract from the openness of Longleat, Swindon Village, (APP/U3925/A/13/2204424) the area and thereby negatively affect the Cheltenham, Gloucestershire setting. (APP/F1610/A/13/2203411) A number of Prior Approval applications for some telephone kiosks were applied The appeal was dismissed on the grounds The Swindon Village Conservation Area for under Part 24 of Schedule 2 to the that the proposed development would be forms an outlying part of Cheltenham Town and Country Planning (General “harmful to the character and appearance Borough which is largely urban, and on Permitted Development) Order 1995 to of the area and would fail to preserve the land that forms part of the setting of enable Swindon Borough Council to setting of the listed building” as stated Swindon Hall; a Grade II listed building consider their siting and appearance. under section 66 of the Planning (Listed and historically part of its grounds. Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act The main considerations included the 1990. The appeal was lodged following refusal effect of siting and appearance on the of the appellant’s proposals to erect a timber clad, single storey dwelling with safety and convenience of public Liz Smith-Gibbons glazed link corridor and part ‘green’/ part highway users, and in the case of one zinc roof which would bridge across a kiosk, whether it would preserve the Planning Appeal: Land at Little small lake on to a central island. setting of a Grade II listed building? The Chalfield, nr. South Wraxall, Cheltenham Borough Council cited the building in question was the 19th century Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire potential harm to the designated Swindon Town Hall, built in red brick (APP/Y3940/A/14/2228679) conservation area and the adverse 1890-91 and originally known as the impact on the setting of Swindon Hall. ‘New Swindon Local Board Offices’; today An appeal by Solar Planning Ltd. against the decision of Wiltshire Council to The inspector agreed with the local it is a library and community arts centre. refuse Planning consent for 36,000 solar authority’s Conservation Officer panels spread over a 25 hectare site has concerns that the form and materials of been dismissed (ref. 14/05253/FUL). the proposed dwelling would contrast markedly with the simple form and The inspector highlighted the fact that appearance of other buildings in the the proposed scheme would “introduce a immediate vicinity, namely several development of industrial appearance chalet-style, detached stone-faced into an otherwise agricultural landscape bungalows. Furthermore, that it would for what would be at least a generation”; be an intrusive and incongruous building although the topography of the site visually noticeable and uncharacteristic would go some way to limiting the of the conservation area as a whole. It impact on the landscape character. Also was further stated by the inspector that noted were the significant number of the proposed dwelling, despite being a heritage assets within 1.5 km of the site, subservient ‘counter-balance’ to including Grade I and Grade II listed Swindon Hall in terms of scale and buildings, two conservation areas and a appearance, would sit within the open Grade II Registered Park and Garden. setting and reduce the positive contribution that the ‘verdant character’ The inspector weighed many diverse of the appeal site makes to the listed Swindon Town Hall; the proposed telephone kiosk would have been to the left of the tree factors in reaching a decision, including building’s setting. the planning balance, conflicts with the Wiltshire Core Strategy policies and the The inspector rejected the appellant’s The local authority refused the three dimensions of sustainable case that the local authority was unable subsequent Planning application (ref. development (i.e., projected economic to demonstrate a five year housing land S/TC/13/0781) and so the applicant went benefits, social role and environmental supply, stating that the development to appeal. In assessing the impact of the role). Despite the renewable energy would not satisfy the environmental role proposals, the Inspector had regard to contribution that the proposed scheme as a result of the harm to the the openness of the area around the would undoubtedly make towards conservation area and the setting of the Town Hall (partly the result of a recent achieving Government’s climate change listed building. Although the harm was landscaping scheme) and noted that it policy objectives, the projected benefits considered to be less than substantial, it provided “a fitting setting for the listed in this case were not deemed to was not outweighed by any apparent building”; thus making “an important outweigh the harm that would be caused public benefits or by a clear and contribution to the designated heritage to the setting of the listed buildings. justification for that harm. asset”. The Inspector reasoned that the Malcolm James Wendy Tomlinson Cheltenham Borough Council

IHBC SW Bulletin No.29 July 2015 - page 2 Heritage & Regeneration Projects around the Region: Gloucester - 1

Officers from Gloucester City Council and realise the enormous potential that exists Gloucester Cathedral recently hosted the for collaborative partnership working in ‘Gloucester Heritage Project Forum’ at Gloucester”. Phillippa Davies from HLF Gloucester Cathedral to inform fellow added “The event was a really useful colleagues developing other HLF-funded opportunity for the sharing of information, projects in the city. joining up of contacts and partnership work in Gloucester; which could really Although the projects varied in terms of contribute to the heritage of Gloucester nature of heritage asset, scale and and the surrounding area”. delivery timescale, it was felt that such a ©Isabel Assaly collective might benefit each project in Features on some of the highlighted terms of information sharing, projects will appear in Bulletin over the St Nicholas’ Church on Westgate Street; the interaction/ leverage and avoidance of forthcoming issues. Feedback, comments oddly truncated spire is the result of lowering/ repetition. Attendees at the forum capping following damage sustained during the and ideas are, as always, most welcome! English Civil War siege of the city in 1643 included representatives from the Charlotte Bowles-Lewis following projects: Ÿ Providing a new home for artist and craft workers - a number of whom Ÿ St Nicholas’ Church, Gloucester: Project Pilgrim: Gloucester have disabilities - allowing visitors The Churches Conservation Trust Cathedral. to experience first-hand their craft, Ÿ Remembering the Soldiers of The Churches Conservation Trust are trade and products. Gloucester: Soldiers of Gloucester currently working with the charity Art Ÿ Telling the story of the church Museum Shape to turn one of Gloucester’s finest through imaginative art, performance Ÿ Southgate Street THI medieval buildings into a new and and interpretation work, allowing Ÿ St Nicholas’ Church accessible heritage and arts centre for the visitors to discover new aspects of Ÿ city. St Nicholas’ and Gloucester’s history. Llanthony Secunda Priory Ÿ Ÿ Hosting a diverse cultural programme Discover De Crypt St Nicholas’ Church dates from 1180 and is Ÿ for the whole city and wider From to the Sea: the oldest medieval parish church in Gloucestershire to enjoy. Gloucester Waterways Museum Gloucester. It incorporates significant Ÿ survivals of rebuilding schemes Know Your Place Archive Further informative about the project and throughout the medieval period and Ÿ Robinswood Hill Country Park Art Shape is available at: beyond. Of particular note are the Ÿ Gloucester Museum Norman features and subsequent 13th http://www.visitchurches.org.uk century adaptations, the plethora of high There were also representatives from the http://www.artshape.couk HLF, Gloucester City Council’s heritage quality monuments and a 15th century team, Stroudwater Textile Trust, John tower with outstanding Perpendicular Rachel Barrett Moore Museum and Gloucestershire spire which forms a prominent local Regeneration Officer County Cricket Club. landmark. Project Pilgrim: Following presentations on the individual Established in 1993, Art Shape strive to aid Gloucester Cathedral projects, a discussion session took place community cohesion, bringing diverse to establish common ground and assess groups together to work on projects and Project Pilgrim is a once in a lifetime resourcing issues. All parties identified get involved in community events. Their opportunity to restore and improve with the challenges of ongoing loss of countrywide programme of arts courses specific parts of Gloucester Cathedral. This heritage and the need to “get the and projects with a specific focus on will help ensure that it continues to fulfil message out to the wider community”. disability issues and social inclusion. its role as a place of dynamic spiritual, civic and heritage activity. Key elements of the As a follow up to the event, feedback The project is estimated to cost £3 million project will include conserving the 15th highlighted a number of opportunities and initial concept designs with activity century Lady Chapel (identified as the and ideas for partnership work that could plans are currently underway for a Stage 1 most ‘at risk’ part of the building), be explored at future events, including HLF bid. Once the project capital work is installing an ‘invisible’ solar PV array to marketing, consultation, fundraising, complete (and this will include extensive the south aisle roof (with the potential to education, training and activities. Rachel conservation of the building fabric), the contribute up to 20% of the building’s Court, project manager of Discover De Trust envision that St Nicholas’ will be energy needs) and removing the car park Crypt commented “It was useful to hear both a historic and contemporary space to create an ‘iconic public space’ to the from the other heritage projects, to for craft, creativity, enterprise and the south frontage. appreciate more fully where our own arts. Project objectives and deliverables Chloe Gilbert project fits into the wider picture, and to include: Project Assistant

IHBC SW Bulletin No.29 July 2015 - page 3 A Tale of Two Barns: Redevelopment of agricultural structures and the impact on setting

Agricultural structures of the post-1945 without the need for Planning permission, the appeal, the inspector concluded that period are a common sight across much of we were filled with dread! A Prior the proposed building would have a new the country. With the availability of pre- Notification was still required, but it domestic character, causing harm to the cast concrete sections, modular roofing seemed initially as though we were only setting of the listed building, and with no systems and cost-effectiveness, market able to consider a few small matters”. public benefits to justify the scheme. demand ensured that they rapidly became synonymous with ‘modern’ farming “We have received lots of these Prior Andrew Tucker (with thanks to Greg Venn) methods and an almost ubiquitous Notifications. Many have been accepted South Somerset District Council feature of the rural landscape. but we didn’t feel so comfortable about a Land at Watershard, Driffield, proposal to convert a Dutch Barn in close Cirencester, Gloucestershire: Moving forward 70 years and many of proximity to a Grade II listed building. You (CDC ref. 14/05648/FUL) these structures are now approaching will see from the picture below that the end-of-life. The combined effects of barn is situated across the road and The site in this instance was adjacent to a materials failures (e.g. exposure and behind a hedge away from the historic Grade II* listed parish church on the corrosion of steel reinforcement rods), farmstead; so initially the proposal periphery of a small village in the south- impact damage and poor maintenance doesn’t appear to be too problematic”. east Cotswolds. It was not a historic mean that many will need to be replaced farmstead as such and none of the if they are to remain in a viable agricultural buildings were listed. The barn agricultural use. was of concrete/ asbestos construction from the mid-1960s and whilst in a The key issue of course is what happens serviceable condition, it had effectively when a change of use and/ or become redundant due to changes in farm redevelopment to introduce a completely management. The proposal was for different building is proposed? Two case demolition and the erection of a dwelling. studies from different areas of the region provide contrasting views with interesting outcomes. Further discussion welcome!

Malcolm James Marsh Farm looking west with the farmhouse and historic farmstead on the right; the Dutch Dutch Barn, Marsh Farm, Yeovil Barn stands in the distance on the left Marsh, Yeovil, Somerset: However, images and angles can often be (APP/Y3940/A/14/2228679) misleading as this second picture reveals!

The development proposed in this case was for Prior Approval of Change of Use of St Mary’s church Driffield; view looking north- Agricultural Building to Dwellinghouse east from the lych gate with the aisled barn on (Use C3) and for Associated Operational the falling ground in the mid-distance Development. The key issue at stake was whether the proposal satisfied the The scale of the proposed dwelling was requirements of the Town and Country modest in comparison to the barn’s Planning (General Permitted footprint (i.e. 50% less) and the mostly Development) Order 1995 with particular single-storey form utilising traditional regard to its effect upon the setting of materials empathised with other nearby Marsh Farmhouse; a Grade II listed Marsh Farm as seen from the public footpath domestic buildings. which runs uphill across the fields to the south; building dating from the mid-18th century. the Dutch Barn actually stands in the foreground Cotswold District Council referred the of the Grade II listed farmhouse application to Historic England who took South Somerset District Council refused to the view that the proposals would create grant prior approval for the proposed Andrew continues: “We took the view that a ‘facsimile’ farmstead building harmful to change of use because they felt that it this proposal was ‘undesirable’ because of the setting of St Mary’s church. Also, the would significantly affect the setting of the harm caused to the setting of the listed proposals were not in accordance with the farmhouse. The applicant lodged an building (a consideration that is ‘relevant national planning policy. The Council’s appeal and an inspector visited the site in to the subject matter of the approval). This Planning sub-committee recently voted in December 2014. Andrew Tucker takes up refusal was upheld by the inspector at favour of the development on the grounds the story: appeal, recognising that the existing barn, of its sustainability benefits to the small although only of ‘functional agricultural community of 169 residents and Driffield’s “When we heard of the Government’s merit’ is a typical rural building to be proximity to other settlements/ services. latest plan to allow any agricultural expected in such a location”. In dismissing building to be converted to dwellings Malcolm James

IHBC SW Bulletin No.29 July 2015 - page 4 (1854 - 1920): Profile of a Devon Architect

Born in Wolborough, , the the profession as a result. Matcham’s son of a brewery clerk, Frank Matcham prolific output in no way compromised his was brought up in where he went designs and project management to Babbacombe school. In 1868 he capabilities; in 1888 for example he was became apprenticed to George Bridgman directly involved with the construction of who was a local builder and architect. By five theatres concurrently. Each theatre the mid-1870s Matcham had moved to was unique and a magnificent building in to join the architectural practice its own right. of Jethro Robinson who was then consulting theatre architect to the Lord Allied to an intuitive ability to complete Interior of the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham; Chamberlain. projects on time and within budget, fully restored during the summer of 2011 Matcham quickly earned the respect of Matcham is buried in London’s Highgate Following his marriage to Robinson’s theatre owners and managers alike. He Cemetery and a commemo- daughter in 1877, Matcham suddenly developed close relationships with rates the site of his London home. Works found himself running the practice when several owners, most notably Sir in the south-west include: his father-in-law died suddenly the for whom he designed his masterpiece, the following year. He was 24 years old at the Ÿ (1902-04) as the flagship venue for 1873 , Oldway House time and his first major project was to Stoll’s chain of theatres and music Theatre (as assistant to G. S. complete the Elephant and Castle Theatre halls. Happily this Grade II* listed Bridgman) which Robinson had started. Matcham theatre survives largely intact as the Ÿ home of the and 1889 , Prince's (reconstruction) rose to the challenge and over the next 30 Ÿ years he became unrivalled as the most was magnificently restored for its 1891 Cheltenham, Everyman centenary in 2004. prolific theatre architect of all time. His Theatre/Opera House Ÿ work can be seen nationwide but perhaps 1895 Bristol, Prince's (alterations) It is impossible to be precise as to the most famous commissions are those Ÿ Matcham’s total output, but it is thought 1902 Bristol, Prince's (remodelling) with which the public are most familiar; Ÿ that he designed at least 80 theatres from 1912 Bristol, Hippodrome (with Tower ballroom and circus scratch and refitted or worked on at least ) (1899) and the which as many again. He was without doubt the opened in 1910. key figure in the most important age of Further information is available from: theatre building in this country. Sadly, only 24 or so of his theatres survive with a http://www.frankmatchamsociety.org.uk further dozen drastically altered as bingo http://www.arthurlloyd.couk/ halls, nightclubs, cinemas, etc. Matcham.htm

Matcham’s last major theatre was the Editor’s note: Bristol Hippodrome; a with a The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, its huge tank under the stage for aquatic history and recent restoration, is the performances. The earliest surviving work subject of a new book by Michael Hasted: by him is the Cheltenham Everyman http://jeremymillspublishing.co.uk where the rather quiet and unprepossess- ing street frontage belies the typically http://www.everymantheatre.org.uk striking Matcham interior.

An impression of Frank Matcham published by Vanity Fair to accompany an interview in 1911 The Bristol Hippodrome on St Augustine’s Parade Despite his success ‘Matchless Matcham’ which Frank Matcham designed in 1912 with the did not hold any formal qualifications as assistance of Bertie Crewe an architect and was snubbed by many in

IHBC SW Bulletin No.29 July 2015 - page 5 Bristol’s Underfall Yard: Regenerating the city harbourside

Underfall Yard in Bristol is just about to disappear under scaffolding for a one-year programme of refurbishment works totalling £2.6 million. The project (which includes a further £1 million of engagement and interpretation thanks to the provision of a new visitor centre) has been funded by the HLF and others including Bristol City Council, Garfield Weston, AIM Biffa, the Pilgrim Trust, Getty and the Wolfson Foundation.

The Underfall Yard is the historic centre of the Your SW Regional Committee Bristol Docks operation; at one stage the buildings on this small site at the far end of the Floating Harbour serviced not only the city docks but also the new ports out towards Avonmouth. Chair & Devon representative (incl. & ) Hydraulic pumps and the sluice room necessary Maureen Pearce: [email protected] to maintain the artificial high tide in central Secretary Bristol were housed in the Underfall Yard, Kate Baxter-Hunter: [email protected] providing the key engineering machinery which enabled the Bristol to continue to develop as a Treasurer & Cornwall/ Scilly Isles representative major port through to the mid-20th century. Alyson Cooper: [email protected] With the advent of containerisation and the Council representative & Dorset representative demands of larger vessels docking at James Webb: [email protected] Avonmouth and Portishead, the city docks Immediate past Chairman slowly became redundant and some of the Ian Lund: [email protected] buildings became vulnerable through disuse. Membership Secretary Most of the Underfall Yard site is designated as Liz Smith-Gibbons: [email protected] a Scheduled Ancient Monument with several Historic England representative individual buildings listed in their own right, e.g. Caroline Power: [email protected] Grade II* listed hydraulic pump house and the Private practice representative & Bulletin Editor Grade II listed shipwright’s shed. Malcolm James: [email protected] In 2014 the whole site was transferred from Policy & Consultations Officer Bristol City Council’s ownership to the Underfall Colin Ellis: [email protected] Yard Trust, an independent charity who now Training & Events Officer manage the site and will be overseeing the Greg Venn: [email protected] project. The Council lease back those parts it still Somerset representative requires for its vital work in maintaining the Greg Venn floating harbour, while the Trust will be letting more space to small maritime-based businesses Wiltshire representative (incl. Swindon) so as to maintain its ‘feel and purpose’ as a Helen Garside: [email protected] working boatyard. Gloucestershire representative (incl. South Glos.) Charlotte Bowles-Lewis: Throughout the project, hard-hat guided tours [email protected] of the site can be organised and audiences will ‘Cuba’ Representative (incl. Bristol & Bath) continue to be engaged via events, outreach Guy Bentham-Hill: [email protected] work, newsletters, an information hut and social media. For details please contact Nicola Dyer: [email protected] INSTITUTE • OF • HISTORIC • BUILDING • CONSERVATION Tel. 0117 929 3250/ 07769 695991 Registered as a charity in England and Wales number 1061593 and in Scotland number SC041945. Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England number 3333780. http://www.underfallboatyard.co.uk Registered Office: 3 Stafford Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4QZ. SW Bulletin is Facebook.com/underfallyard distributed by electronic means to registered members of the IHBC SW region. The views expressed in SW Bulletin are not necessarily those held by IHBC Council or IHBC members Nicola Dyer in other regions. Neither the IHBC or SW Bulletin editors shall be under any liability Project Director whatsoever in respect of any contributed materials or advertisements.

IHBC SW Bulletin No.29 July 2015 - page 6