Annual General Meeting

westoncivicsociety.org.uk 2020 Old Town Quarry, South Road, BS23 2LS Summer No 144 General enquiries 01934 251487

Due to the corona virus lockdown we were unable to hold our normal AGM in April and it looks increasingly unlikely we will be able to do so in the near future. If restrictions do permit it we will hold the AGM as advertised below, but if they do not, similar to many organisations in the same situation, the

Civic Society will hold a ‘virtual’ AGM using the Zoom software on the same date and at the same time.

Nominations for Executive Committee members, and motions to be put to the AGM, should be submitted by latest August 31st 2020 by post to the Secretary, Weston -super-Mare Civic Society, Flat A, 6 Ellenborough Crescent, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1XL, or scanned by e-mail to

[email protected]

Each nomination must state the position to be filled – Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary or ordinary Executive Committee member and include signatures of a proposer, seconder and the signed agreement of the nominated person. Motions should similarly have both a proposer and seconder with signatures. If you wish to attend the Zoom AGM please e-mail th [email protected] by latest September 27 2020 and we will send you the link and instructions how to join by return.

Annual General Meeting

Weston Museum or Zoom

Nomination form for Officers and/or Executive Committee Members To reach the Secretary (address above) by 31st August 2020 post or e-mail

I propose ______(name in caps) as ______

Signed ______

I second ______(name in caps) as______

Signed ______

Signature of person proposed indicating consent ______

Dated ______

Membership Renewal

Membership is due for renewal and to make life a little easier we would prefer members to renew by direct debit. For bank details please e-mail the membership secretary Peter Barrington at [email protected]

Saving Seaside Shelters

The condition of this seafront shelter is symptomatic of poor investment in our built heritage. Despite tremendous work being done by heritage staff at North Somerset Council, with first-rate encouragement and support from Historic England, this photograph shows what happens when current finances are

unable to make amends for past neglect. Who can now pick up the bill? Whilst it’s easy to quantify restoration costs, the effect of such obvious neglect on our local tourism image is less easily discerned. The council had hoped to apply for grant aid but a combination of other priorities and furloughed lottery staff means more delay, and with delay will come more deterioration.

Seafront shelters have featured as the book cover for best-selling ‘Take Nothing With You’ by Patrick Gale and as a set in part 3 of the BBC’s ‘The Salisbury Poisonings’.

Post-Covid Hotels

It’s pointless speculating on what’s likely or not likely to happen to Weston’s hotel and hospitality industry as we move further into this difficult tourist season but one thing is certain - the Grand Atlantic Hotel’s future isn’t looking good.

Built as The College (a private school) in 1859 it was enlarged and converted thirty years later into the hotel by Manchester architect John Whittington.

It is in the Great Weston Conservation Area but is not a Listed Building.

A new hotel owner? Residential conversion? Development ‘opportunity’? Dereliction?

Weston Civic Society is mindful of the difficulties which all our local hoteliers, restaurateurs, publicans, shopkeepers & traders, and other businesses associated with the tourism and hospitality industry are facing in these extraordinary times. We wish them well in their efforts to overcome past months of lockdown.

Forthcoming Talks

New dates for our ‘lost’ talks will be advised on our website as soon as we are able, subject to pandemic regulations and availability of speakers.

History of the Playhouse Theatre Samantha Ball, author of a book published on the 50th anniversary of the theatre’s re-opening following the 1964 fire

The New High Street Heritage Action Zone Cara MacMahon Heritage Action Zone Project Officer, North Somerset Council

Weston Moving Forward Jo Walker Chief Executive Officer and Alex Hearn Assistant Director Placemaking & Growth, North Somerset Council

Weston Museum

Discussions between South West Heritage Trust and Weston Town Council have taken place and it looks as though Weston Museum (Burlington Street) and the Museum of Somerset (Taunton Castle) will reopen in August with appropriate social distancing restrictions. The museum’s had lockdown but not lockout and recently, with no public safety issues to worry about, contractors have been hard at work creating new gallery and meeting rooms. Meanwhile, staff and volunteers have been congratulated for their imaginary and innovative way of keeping an at-distance facility in ‘virtual’ operation. The Civic Society offers its own congratulations and longs to ‘return home’ for meetings as soon as possible.

Recent Civic Society Planning Comments

Since the last edition of Weston View the following submissions have been made to North Somerset Council. In October an objection was made over the retrospective application for the erection of a fence at the front of the property at 55 Old Church Road, Uphill. Although the property was not in the Great Weston Conservation Area, in the development of the Conservation Area it became clear that there was real awareness of the loss of / inappropriate boundary treatments. The installed fencing changed the street view and the surrounding area with its bushes and low walls. It put up barriers to the public realm. The application was REFUSED but the applicantion went to appeal and was DISMISSED.

In the same month three further objections were made to retrospective applications for wooden fences at 1 Rennison Court, Whitting Road (APPROVED), 22 Upper Bristol Road (REFUSED) and 8 The Scaurs (REFUSED) The latest plan for demolition of existing buildings and erection of new buildings to create 40 self-contained flats at 6-10 Madeira Road, (Former Lynton Hotel) was submitted. We welcomed the reconstruction of the elevations to Madeira Road in the original Victorian style. A request was made for a more appropriate boundary treatment. The lack of lifts was a surprise. NO DECISION YET

The month continued with our objection to the part (70%) demolition of the front stone boundary wall at 26 Montpelier to allow for widening of the existing driveway access and erection of detached single garage to front of property. Montpelier is in the Hillside Character Area of the Great Weston Conservation Area. REFUSED but applicant has appealed with NO DECISION YET.

The month ended with an objection to the proposed side extension at 13 Bournville Road. The property’s Kensington Road elevation defined the corner with an attractive double height bay window, natural stone walling, window surrounds, quoins and string courses. The extension did not preserve the existing building line and was not finished in a suitable material. (19/P/2386/FUH) APPROVED November started with an objection against the demolition of an existing single-storey rear extension and construction of a two-storey rear extension with hipped pitched roof at 20 Wooler Road. Part-demolition of the north-side stone boundary wall was to create vehicle access to parking at the rear of the garden. The reasons for the refusal of the original proposal still remained. In addition the proposed extension visually overbears the uniformity of the remainder of the Victorian terrace. APPROVED The month continued with an objection for the retention of a wooden boundary fence to front of the property at 1 Lisle Road. The property is in an open plan development of over 60 houses. If approved it could have led to a proliferation of fences and the open plan layout would be lost. REFUSED

The final objection in the month was raised against the retrospective application for the erection of pergola at 13b Montpelier. The Society believed any such installation should be in a back garden and not in a prominent position in the front garden, interfering with the view of the fine Victorian House. The construction of the wooden pergola and associated fencing in the front garden of the property severely impacts on the street scene. REFUSED

December started with an objection against the application to increase the front drive access at 28 Montpelier. There was no justification given for widening the access which involved removing a section of the boundary wall. The change was contrary to the Appraisal and Management Plan for the Hillside Character Area of the Great Weston Conservation Area. APPROVED The month continued with our objection to a retrospective application to change the boundary fencing at 29A Clevedon Road. The property is now in the Whitecross Character Area of the Great Weston Conservation Area. The adopted Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan highlighted that 6 for Clevedon Road the inappropriate boundary treatments were significant and that the issue was serious and required action. REFUSED Another objection was lodged against the demolition of stone boundary wall in the proposal for a single-storey side extension to west of dwelling at 8 Cecil Road. Relocation of garage and creation of new driveway to accommodate off-road parking to front APPROVED after change to exclude demolition of stone wall. The year ended with an objection against the retrospective application for the erection of a boundary fence behind the existing stone wall fronting 47 Bristol Road Lower. The Society believed that the approval of this application would lead to a worsening of the situation relating to loss of/inappropriate boundary treatments (e.g. front garden walls) and could lead to a proliferation in the area. REFUSED. A modified arrangement was subsequently APPROVED. The first submission for 2020 was an objection against the application for the erection of boundary fence (retrospective) at 22 Upper Bristol Road which was REFUSED. A revised resubmission in which the fencing to the right of the gate was changed to match that on the left was APPROVED. Also in January an objection was raised against the proposed internally illuminated fascia sign at 30 Orchard Street (formerly Manna Bookshop) as it did not conform to the NSC Shopfront Design Guide SPD. Also an illuminated advert (fascia) is not allowed in a Conservation Area. NO DECISION YET February started with an objection to the application for the erection of a dwelling on land in Copse Close. We considered that the proposed bungalow, with garage beneath, squeezed in between the house No. 21 and bungalow No.19 was behind the established building lines. The proposal upset the established pattern of development and would result in the space and outlook between the buildings being lost. However, as the application was a resubmission of a previous proposal and planning permission was approved the new assessment only related to the change to the proposal. The original officer's report considered there was no distinctive building line. The Society demonstrated that was not the case. NO DECISION YET The month continued with an objection against the retrospective application for a 1.8 metre high timber boundary fence at 56 Old Church Road, Uphill. The justification for removing hedging based on avoiding the need for trimming could set a very unfortunate precedent. The fencing completely changed and ruined the street view. REFUSED

The first objection in March was against the creation of new vehicular access including partial demolition of front boundary wall and pier, and erection of new entrance pier at 69 Beach Road. Also new hardstanding in the front garden to create parking space. Justification based on need for two spaces per dwelling was questioned. Previous approved development of the site had removed area for parking. REFUSED

The month continued with comments generally welcoming the upgrading of 38-40 Birnbeck Road (Madeira Lodge) with part demolition including the unsympathetic extensions. The glass link between the two buildings works well tying the building together whilst visually allowing them to be read as individual historic villas. The removal of the stone boundary wall was considered unacceptable. Further comments on details of the design were made. NO DECISION YET

Also in March an objection was raised against the proposed replacement of a conifer green hedge by a garden wall 1.8m high at 1 Charter Road. There was no justification for the change and it did not impact on the proposed development of a garage and workshop. APPROVE WITH CONDITIONS

The month ended with an objection to the proposal to widen the current driveway entrance at 43 Elmsleigh Road by 1.75m which involved dismantling the existing stone pillar, removing a part of the wall and re-erecting the stone pillar in its new location. In addition the existing front garden area was to be laid to permeable tarmac and stone pavers. It was considered this would be detrimental to the Conservation Area. REFUSED

April started with an objection to the garage element of the partly retrospective application for erection of garage, conservatory and laying of hard standing to rear at 21 Grove Park Road. When viewed from the public realm it was considered that the garage would dominate the view between the two fine Victorian buildings. The use of wooden cladding was considered not appropriate. REFUSED Finally, the Society warmly welcomed the application from Walker and Ling to replace the existing shopfront with new shopfront, shop signage and external lighting to ground floor. As well as repairs to upper levels of front facade the application includes replacement of uPVC windows with timber windows. However, we suggested alterations to the proposed blade sign and internally projecting box sign and are pleased to note changes have been made. We feel this to be a really important example of Heritage Action Zone involvement. Congratulations to North Somerset Council and Walker & Ling. APPROVED

No Social Distancing on Weston Beach 90 years ago

Beach Court From 2018 to 2020 A pleasing attempt is being made to restore the balustrade on Beach Court (formerly Huntley’s Beach Hotel; originally Whereat’s Reading & Assembly Rooms)

Despite this welcome improvement and removal of obtrusive advertising facia boards, original caryatids are still being masked by a larger than necessary ice cream sign

Next time you wander along the prom’ see if you can spot the caryatids, including one that was sliced in half!

Annual Report For the year 2019 Normally this report would be read out at the Annual General Meeting in April and circulated via Weston View thereafter. On account of the Covid-19 pandemic the AGM has been postponed, therefore it seems sensible to present our report now. Management The Committee met each month, in addition members participated in forums concerned with the regeneration of Weston town centre and in liaison meetings with North Somerset Council. Collaboration with Cara McMahon, the Council’s officer for the Heritage Action Zone, has been very fruitful. It also led to Historic England providing funding for a series of public lectures during the winter months to raise awareness of Weston’s heritage. Martha Perriam, who had served as Secretary and had arranged most of our meetings, resigned her post on account of her removal to Sandford. She has made a huge contribution to the life of the Society. Fortunately Alan Rice was willing to step into her shoes as Secretary. Finance For several years Greg Thacker has acted as our Treasurer but at the end of 2019 he wished to be relieved of this task. We are most grateful for his input and especially for continuing until the coronavirus disturbance is past. Meetings and events A series of meetings was arranged. Stairs at Olea made life difficult for some so the venue was changed to Weston Museum through the winter months. At the AGM Archaeologist Cat Lodge was not fit enough to attend so her PowerPoint was presented by the Chairman. Topics of other meetings included Parking Policy by Mark Canniford; “The New Agenda for Weston” by Alex Hearn, Assistant Director for Place Making and Growth, North Somerset Council; Hans Price – Weston’s Architect by Johanna Roethe; A Cornucopia of Weston Characters by John Crockford-Hawley;

Georgian & Victorian Holidays in Weston – drawers and all! by Allan Brodie; Worlebury: the Story of an Iron Age Hillfort by Mark Bowden. Our annual Awards Evening was held in December and seven projects were given awards. Planning A group of members scrutinised Planning Applications and often made representation to the Planning Committee. One issue which came to the fore was the installation of fencing above front garden walls without Planning Permission (which is required for anything above 1 metre). We are encouraged to find that this is now being given appropriate attention. Our thanks are due especially to Peter Downs for overseeing this work. Activities and projects At the suggestion of Mike McKee we funded the repainting of over 100 cast iron street name signs in the town centre. Progress on mapping trees was slow, but those in Clarence Park East were mapped with help from Scouts. The planting of a few trees was funded but the take up of the Society’s offer by the Council was disappointing. Concern was expressed about the state of sea front shelters and through Mike McKee, the Society has pressed for and given professional advice about their restoration. We contributed to new Blue Plaques being put up where well known people had lived or visited. The ceremonies for Dr Fox, Emperor Haile Selassie and Emmeline Pethick Lawrence were attended by members. Communications Two editions of Weston View were produced with much assistance from John Crockford-Hawley. The Society’s website was improved and maintained by Peter Barrington. Various items were made known on Facebook by Alan Rice and have attracted considerable attention. The Old Town Quarry The normal activities at the Quarry continued and Weston Heritage Centre was able to make ends meet, however expenditure was necessary to bring up to date the electrics and other safety features in order to meet present standards for premises open to the public. 12

For some years there have been discussions with North Somerset Council and especially Weston Town Council about the possibility of their managing the Quarry, since they have the resources to ensure that standards are adhered to. Our trustees have been wishing to retire for some years and so now the Society has given formal notice to our landlord, North Somerset Council, that we intend to surrender the lease on the Quarry at the end of March 2021. Cast Iron Street Name Plates Following on from our refurbishment of 100 name plates throughout the town we have been keen to encourage residents to continue this work themselves within their own streets. One of the hurdles to overcome in realising this public involvement has been the health and safety requirements of North Somerset Council. We’ve had to employ a NSC approved contractor to undertake the work, which proved to be expensive, although results have been of an acceptable standard. Work is often in busy and confined streets. Further work remains to be done in adjoining areas but this will be less onerous in terms of accommodating the health and safety requirements. Having spoken at length to the Highways department at NSC they have recently agreed to permit residents to undertake this work themselves providing they operate within these requirements. This is good news as those with interest in their local environment will now have the opportunity to improve it. We have shared this correspondence with the Worle History Society who have expressed their interest in undertaking similar work. We have also noticed and congratulate NSC Highways for their current work on providing new street names plates where required and in an appropriate style. We have suggested that name plates would look tidier and more permanent if they were attached to the stone boundary walls rather than timber posts embedded in the pavement where in some cases the quality of work could be improved!

Finally we congratulate a good person in Clarence Road South for taking the initiative albeit in the form of a cartoon! If anyone is interested in taking this work forward please get in touch and we can forward the health and safety requirements and the specification for repainting. Civic Society Awards 2019 In December last year Weston Civic Society presented awards to (L to R): Rosanne Sodzi, project administrator, and Chris Cole, churchwarden, of Christ Church Montpelier for restoration of the church spire and elegant widening of the churchyard entrance. Chris Kimitri for restoration of stone pillars and wall at Glencora, 18 Old Church Road Uphill. Tony Coles of APG Architects for conversion of 17-19 Greenfield Place - a fine piece of urban renewal. Philip Caine of Studio Architecture for Zinovia Court, converting the old Bristol & West / Co-op building Big Lamp Corner into retail outlet and up-market flats. Luke Munday supervisor, and Anthony Eden manager, for the restoration of the historic frontage of WHSmiths in Weston high Street Kevin Darke (not in the photograph) for restoration of a striking Art Deco house 7 Totterdown Lane Despite pandemic woes we would still like to make awards this year for local schemes that have improved the environment of a structure, restored a building of historical interest or added something new that enhances the neighbourhood. Small or large - if you have a suggestion do please let us know.

April in Clarence Park Photos by Alan Rice

Grove Park Trees Weston Civic Society’s contibution to townscape improvements. We built the wall, erected railings and planted trees but who can remember the date?

Lifeboats Back to Birnbeck

A Weston Civic Society press statement said. “It is especially pleasing the RNLI are the ones hoping to bring the pier back into use as a permanent base for their most important work. We were pleased at first to learn that North Somerset Council had the courage to consider a Compulsory Purchase Order. The Society applauds all efforts to retain Weston’s important buildings and to further the regeneration of our town whilst recognizing that there are still considerable hurdles head to be overcome”. Challenges For The Future The council is preparing a new Local Plan which will set planning polices across North Somerset for the next 15 years. Before reaching any conclusions there will be a period of consultation (22 July – 2 Sept) on the complex challenges facing us. Google ‘North Somerset challenges and choices’ for a full PDF copy of the documents. Once the ‘challenges’ have been identified planners will then consult on the more difficult ‘choices’.