706 Nunton House Design & Access Statement June 2017

Nunton House, Nunton,

Design & Access Statement

Introduction Nunton is a small village and former in south , approximately 4 miles south of Salisbury. Nunton House is located at the east end of the village opposite St Andrew’s Church.

The planning application and listed building consent relates to the creation of a new driveway into the property from the south, concurrently with the modification of the existing driveway (to the west) to provide a pedestrian only entrance. Other proposed amendments include the reduction of the existing gravel surfaced area to the front of the house, to be replaced with formal lawn and planting and the provision of an ornamental pool.

Use Private residential use.

Layout & Description of Proposals Planning permission and listed building consent are sought for the following: • Partial removal of the walls at the existing entrance within the west wall, and the replacement of the gate piers and gates to form a pedestrian opening; • Formation of a vehicular access within the south wall; • Formation of a driveway, turning and parking area; • Replacement of the five-bar timber gates within the south wall. • Provision of a circular ornamental pool and fountain to the front of the house

The works to the existing entrance in the west wall would comprise the partial demolition of the curved walls and the removal of the existing gate piers and gates. A section of brick wall would be constructed to form a 1.2m wide pedestrian entrance, with less of a set-back from the lane than the existing arrangement. The gate piers would be reconstructed using the brick from the demolished section of walls, and with the salvaged stone copings and ball finials. The new gate would be a traditional ‘effect’ timber and steel one to match existing.

A section of the south wall at its eastern end would be demolished to create an opening of approximately 4.1m wide. New brick piers with stone copings and ball finials would be constructed to match the ones in the west wall. Part of the existing wall would be stepped up by approximately 0.5m in matching brickwork around the new gate piers. The new gates would be traditional ‘effect’ timber and steel ones to match the gate within the west wall, and would be automated. The part of the existing lay-by in front of the new entrance and the driveway would be formed in a geotextile surface with porous gravel infill.

The new driveway would follow the east side of the lawn, between existing trees and shrubs. The new drive would be constructed using ‘no dig’ principles and be surfaced using permeable and stabilized gravel surface to avoid impacting on existing tree roots. A limited number of small trees and shrubs would need to be removed, including part of a laurel hedge. The planting would be reinforced to the east of the proposed driveway with new shrubs and three new tree specimens. At the top end of the driveway, the surface finish would change to gravel. The York stone apron in front of the house would be extended in front of the main entrance to meet a circular turning area and lawn.

706 Nunton House Design & Access Statement June 2017

Scale The minor alterations to the existing boundary wall are shown on drawing 706_02 Wall & Gates. The typical size and scale of the ornamental pool is shown on drawings 706_01 and 706_04.

Landscaping A limited number of small trees and shrubs would need to be removed, including part of a laurel hedge. However, these are located internally and within a densely vegetated part of the garden. Existing planting would be reinforced to the east of the proposed driveway with new shrubs and three new tree specimens.

Appearance

Brickwork The appearance of the proposed modifications to existing brickwork will be discreet and in keeping with the existing appearance of the brick wall boundary. For example, Flemish bond will be used to match existing brickwork using salvaged bricks from existing wall where possible and reclaimed bricks to match. Lime mortar will be used to complement bricks. All works to be undertaken by a specialist contractor with experience of using the appropriate skills and techniques. Works would also include localised cleaning and repointing as required.

Gates High quality traditional style timber and steel gates are proposed to match the existing gates on the Western Elevation.

Ornamental Pool & Fountain The pool would be located on a central axis to the south entrance door. Drawing 706_04 includes indicative images showing a typical style of ornamental pool proposed. The pool would include a central fountain and a weathered Yorkstone paved margin in radial pattern.

Access There are two main drivers for the proposals, these being to achieve improved highway safety for vehicular access out of the site and to enhance the setting at the front of the house.

As described above, the proposals include the construction of a new driveway from the south affording improved access for private cars and light commercial vehicles. The large existing gravelled parking area immediately to the front of the house will be reduced. The existing western entrance will be changed to pedestrian only.

Heritage A Heritage Statement has been produced by Elaine Milton Heritage & Planning (April 2015) and accompanies this application.

The application site includes the existing garden area immediately to the south of Nunton House.

The house was added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest at Grade II* on 23 March 1960 and is therefore deemed by Historic to be a heritage asset of particular importance and more than special interest. The house is of considerable architectural and historic interest as an early 18th century country house. It displays a high quality of design and decoration, and is also of special interest for its plan form and layout.

706 Nunton House Design & Access Statement June 2017

The setting provided by the garden and landscape contributes to the significance of the heritage assets. The dense planting at the southern end of the garden creates a verdant backdrop.

The brick boundary walls to the south and west create a sense of privacy and enclosure to the house and garden, which adds to its setting. The intrinsic value of the brick boundary walls, however, is moderate given their age and the damage to their appearance through the use of cement pointing.

The large square parking and turning area in front of the house detracts from its setting.

The proposals offer an opportunity to enhance the immediate setting of the house, which is currently somewhat detracted from by the large gravel forecourt immediately in front of the main building.

The alteration of the access to form a pedestrian opening will retain some access at this point.

The new, southern entrance will involve some loss of historic fabric from the boundary walls, but it is considered that this would to be offset by the wider improvements described above.