Suffolk View The publication of the Suffolk Preservation Society Registered Charity No. 1154806 Issue No:131 Spring 2018
• Annual General Meeting 8th June 2018 - Cockfi eld Hall • A Plan for a Green Future – how hard will it be? • Parish Councils – training for pro-active engagement • Best for Pure Conservation – Church Farm House, Sudbourne Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Contents
Foreword SPS Director, Fiona Cairns writes 3 Comment SPS Chairman, Andrew Fane, writes 4 From the Parish Council Chamber – a personal view SPS Trustee, Jessica de Grazia Jeans, refl ects on her personal journey through the planning jungle 5 Planning, Conservation & Heritage Overview Update and comment 7 County Courier News and issues from the districts, amenity societies and members 9 From the News-stand Copy and comment – update on matters of local and national interest 12 Quote of the Issue: In Remembrance: New Litter Regulation 14 Heritage Matters 15 - 22 ‘The House at Orchard Barn’ – Part 2. 15 Quality of Place Awards, Church Farm House, Sudbourne 17 Norfolk Oaks felled for Suffolk Building Restoration 20 Historic Brickwork in East Anglia – survey by Simon Swan Associates 21 Traditional Building Skills Courses – Essex Place Services 22 Membership 23 SPS Events Review 24 Diary Dates 25 SPS CIO Annual General Meeting 26 & 27 Notice of Meeting and Form of Proxy Market Place – Directory 28
Offi ces Patron The Countess of Euston © 2018 SPS. All rights reserved. Little Hall, Market Place, President The Lord Marlesford DL Printed by Lavenham Press Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk Chairman Andrew Fane, OBE MA FCA The views expressed in Suffolk View are CO10 9QZ Director Fiona Cairns, MRTPI IHBC those of the individual authors, and do not Telephone 01787 247179 Finance: Walter Wright necessarily refl ect the position of the SPS Fax 01787 248341 Chartered Accountants Cover photographs: Email [email protected] Editor Linda Clapham Front: Suffolk Countryside Website www.suffolksociety.org For editorial matters, queries and submissions. Back: Cockfi eld Hall, Yoxford Follow us on Twitter: @SuffolkSociety Like us on Facebook: @SuffolkSociety
Founded in 1929, the SPS Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number 1154806 is working to safeguard the buildings and Operating as the landscape of Suffolk. County Branch of CPRE
SPS holds and manages data in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (2018) SuffolkSuffolk Preservation Preservation Society Society | | Suffolk Suffolk View View | | Autumn Spring 20172018 | no 130131 Foreword SPS Director, Fiona Cairns, writes
approach this means the things which our natural environment is made up of – land, soils, minerals, ecosystems, species, freshwater, our air and our seas. Mr. Gove states “Long term action requires us to take diffi cult choices, some with considerable economic consequences, about conservation. In the past, our failure to understand the full value of the benefi ts offered by the environment and cultural heritage has to reviewing Areas of Outstanding seen us make poor choices. We can Natural Beauty with the prospect of change that by using a natural capital extending them, planting 11 million trees approach. When we give the environment across the country, doing more to protect its due regard as a natural asset – indeed ancient woodland and veteran trees, and a key contributor – to the overall exploring how ‘developer contribution’ economy, we will be more likely to give can be used to steer development it the value it deserves to protect and towards the least environmentally enhance it.” damaging areas. As somebody who has dedicated This all sounds very positive. But is her entire working life to the cause of it? Around 17,000 hectares of land is “Do More: Harm less” – environmental protection, this is nothing developed each year. Rising population short of a blissful affi rmation of all that growth and economic development a Green Action Plan has motivated and inspired me to work means that this Government is in the fi eld of conservation, but the big committed to building many more homes With great excitement the SPS welcomes question is - will planning guidance and than ever before. The local authorities in Michael Gove’s new 25 year Environment the new countryside vision be compatible Suffolk have recently issued Brownfi eld Plan with its commitment to “Do more: policies? The revised National Policy Registers, but the paucity of sites starkly harm less”, setting out the Government’s Planning Framework is expected this reveals how relatively little previously action plan to help the natural world spring and will serve to clarify matters developed land there is in our County regain and retain good health. It calls for for those of us striving to navigate the to build on. This means that most of the an approach to agriculture, forestry, land- development pressure with conservation new housing of up to 70,000 units (the use and fi shing that puts the environment constraint. approximate equivalent of building forty fi rst. Its aim is to achieve, in no particular Mr Gove’s plan covers a dizzying range new towns the size of Lavenham) could order, the use of resources more of topics, many of which do not impact be built on unplanned countryside. sustainably, enhancing beauty, heritage, upon our specifi c charitable objectives. I really want to embrace this well-being, engagement with nature, But the focus on “safeguarding and Government’s newly found commitment clean air and water, a thriving natural enhancing beauty of our natural scenery to the countryside with an open heart environment and wildlife, and reducing and improving its environmental value and even more open mind, but only time the risks from fl ooding and drought. while being sensitive to considerations will tell how the irreconcilable differences Interestingly, it seeks to embed an of its heritage” clearly chimes with between the Government’s growth “environmental net gain” principle for the SPS’s objectives. Action points of agenda and with Mr. Gove’s green one, development, based on the natural capital particular interest include a commitment can be dovetailed.
3 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Comment SPS Chairman, Andrew Fane, writes
exceptional natural beauty also, where of this asset and the environment that man struggles to control the forces also provides ‘home’ to the majority of nature, and our woodlands which of our wildlife. This new vision is in many cases are again man-made, of grants for better management of as little true ancient forest remains. the countryside with environmental Lip-service is paid by many to the schemes like tree planting, better soil importance of these landscapes but management, wild fl ower meadows they are mostly allowed to evolve even and more help for a range of wildlife SPS Chairman, Andrew Fane, OBE where we have important designations through conservation management. such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Cumulatively, these could clearly be of Regular readers of editorials in Suffolk Beauty. But perhaps that somewhat huge benefi t, and no doubt the trade- View would be justifi ed in considering laissez-faire attitude is changing, and in off is seen as being preferable to mere that the planning team in Lavenham is a dramatic way, being led from the very subsidies for food production on a only interested in the countryside when top of government and as a result, not per acre basis. Despite such bold and it is under threat from new housing least, of Brexit. wide ranging ambitions, there remain developments, and that the rest of our The Government’s long-awaited 25 questions that loom over Michael lovely County can be left to fend for year Environment Plan presents a major Gove’s announcements for reform in itself. Of course, it is just such housing opportunity to dramatically enhance UK agriculture. Much of the detail has developments when done badly, or England’s landscapes and people’s yet to be revealed. But re-directing inconsiderately, which do have the access to them. https://www.gov.uk/ public investment in agriculture could gravest impact on the countryside we government/uploads/system/uploads/ reward the provision of public benefi ts, all love and are charged to preserve attachment_data/fi le/673203/25-year- including landscape. wherever we can. environment-plan.pdf Many commentators have However, occasionally it is a good A Green Future: our 25 despaired at the failure of government thing to turn that equation around departments to work together in the and look at our countryside fi rst and year Plan to improve the past on food and farming policy; so the in its own right, and to see how we, at Environment. announcement that Defra is committed SPS, can encourage or contribute to The Prime Minister, in her to a food policy to ‘integrate the measures that are positive for the sake introduction to the document, has needs of agriculture businesses, other of the countryside alone. And we do shown her determination that the enterprises, consumers, public health all recognise how very blessed we are ‘post Brexit new world’ will actively and the environment’ is also ambitious in Suffolk today with the extent and encourage changes in policy and and very welcome. sheer quality of our landscapes and practice that will strive to benefi t our Much of this is in gestation only as countryside settings, and for many of countryside rather than merely try yet, but SPS will be watching closely us they are one of the primary reasons to slow decline, as if that last were and commenting appropriately when for choosing to live where we do. inevitable. Both she and Michael Gove consulted or as part of our normal Suffolk’s landscapes are largely are now making demands for the future representations. We too want this new man-made, and have been stewarded of this priceless and irreplaceable asset culture to mean something and to be by generations of farmers over the – our countryside. Additionally, they are a fundamental change in the way our centuries to the condition we see today. committing to working with, rather than countryside looks and is managed and We do have magnifi cent coastlines of against, farmers who are the stewards cared for by all.
4 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 From the Parish Council Chamber – a personal view SPS Trustee, Jessica de Grazia Jeans, writes
Get the message over of – Waveney, Ipswich, Suffolk Coastal, to have better decisions, parish councils My introduction to planning came Mid Suffolk, Babergh, St. Edmundsbury, need to be proactive, which is hugely from an application on my doorstep - a Forest Heath,” – fill in the blank. challenging since we are all volunteers, poorly conceived development scheme This response is not really satisfying with very limited officer resource in the to demolish a 1930’s family home with a and it also ignores what parish councils form of an over-stretched parish clerk. notable garden in a Conservation Area could be doing to achieve better Basically, the planning framework and replace it with a pastiche terrace planning results for their communities. is sound (which is not to say it could of four houses. Stumbling through the My starting point is that we do not not be tweaked to make it better). planning thickets, I discovered the SPS, live in a perfect world, and, if we want The problem lies in implementation. the only organisation both willing and able to help. In those days, the SPS had district representatives, and I was duly appointed to this role. The high point was helping Carlton Colville Parish Council lead a community campaign to prevent the demolition of ancient woodland to make way for a banal development. I’ve spent most of my life in public service of one kind or another but those magic words, “Thank you, we never thought we could do it,” have never lost their motivational power. Now I’m a Trustee of the SPS, and a Parish Councillor myself. In the last few years, the SPS has radically rethought how best to use its scarce resources. One of its priorities is to support parish councils. As the bottom tier of local government, parish councils are uniquely placed to appreciate how planning schemes affect the sustainability of their communities. They are also Statutory Consultees. At the same time, there is no statutory obligation for planning authorities to heed their views. This can lead to frustration. Following the immutable rule of physics, heat rises, parish councillors vent against the district council. How often have you heard this response to a complaint? “It is the fault SPS Training Day, Southwold - Urban Design Training - Parish Councillors consider a case study
5 Framlingham - street scene
Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
making process starts Executive, and, equally importantly, with a particular site to your district councillors. The and a particular set of more noise you make, the further plans. Understanding it reverberates. Talk to other parish how to read character councils. If they are having the same and how to read plans problems, joining forces can amplify is essential knowledge your voices. for parish councillors. Fourth, create alliances within your Then come the relevant community. If you are concerned about policies and guidance an application, there are certain to be and how to apply them residents who have the same concerns. to the specific site and Encourage people to voice their proposed scheme. Last, objections. They will have insights into but not least, expressing adverse impacts that you may not have conclusions, with the detected. supporting details, in a Working proactively is hard but persuasive form. also satisfying work. It is an antidote Second, conversation: to the sense of powerlessness that invite your planning is the greatest frustration for parish officer and design and councillors and, ironically, it can conservation officer empower the officers of your local to a meeting with planning authority to do the job they your parish council so would like to do – achieving well you can discuss your designed planning schemes that work concerns and theirs. My for the communities that they serve. experience is that the As part of its charitable objects the majority of planning SPS is dedicated to supporting town & officers care about their parish councils, of which there are over subject matter and 400 in Suffolk and more than 150 are serving the public. Good SPS members. results are based on SPS has a developing training Sustained years of budget cuts have building relationships, which, in turn, programme, utilizing the appropriate crippled local planning authorities. are based on finding common ground professionals, to organise and run Experienced case officers and design and ways to support each other. various workshops including those and conservation officers have fled Third, ‘the squeaky wheel gets the concentrating on heritage and design into retirement or to work in the oil’ – planning officers work within a policies; how to respond to planning private sector. It is taking months to democratically elected local authority applications; archaeology in the recruit replacement staff and some where, at the end of the day, the buck planning process, and more, see pages new entrants are joining straight out stops with elected representatives. 24 and 25. It uses feedback to improve of college. It takes years to build up Don’t hesitate to escalate concerns and increase its training offer. We would expertise and the professional self- to senior officers, including right up be very interested to know your views, confidence to buck an aggressive the chain of command to the Chief so please get in touch. developer. The hub of the matter Neighbourhood Plans are not the answer to the implementation gap. They are years in creation and, more importantly, if the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan (top tier of rules in the hierarchy of planning policies and guidance) are not being applied properly, why should third tier Neighbourhood Plan policies fare any better? So what are the options for parish councils who have to deal with the “here and now” of a planning system in crisis? Bearing in mind that there is no such thing as a silver bullet, here are four suggestions that could be adapted to create a ‘parish council action programme’. First, training: it is all too easy for the local planning authority to disregard parish council responses that are not well grounded. The planning decision-
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DESIGN Planning, Conservation and SPS joined with the Ipswich Society, Ipswich Design & Conservation Panel and the Suffolk Design Review Panel Heritage Overview in objecting to the proposed design of the new Suffolk Records Office, Update and comment to be named The Hold. SPS felt that it was an inefficient use of the site All SPS letters are available in full on its website. and the design lacked the quality required in this important Town Centre PARISH COUNCILS AND location, opposite The Waterfront and LOCAL GROUPS forming an integral part of the Suffolk Many of the planning schemes we University campus. Regrettably, the become involved in are initially brought decision makers, Suffolk County to us by Parish Councils or amenity Council, ignored the views of the many groups in their efforts to safeguard stakeholders who felt this was a missed what is important to their local area. opportunity and approved the scheme We can help by advising and steering regardless, see page 10. Another controversial decision them through the complicated planning where an opportunity to produce system so that they present their an outstanding development may concerns in the most effective way. In have been missed is the proposed many cases, and when appropriate, we Kersey listed cottages adjacent to the contested redevelopment of the former Suffolk will add our voice by raising objections development site. Coastal District Council offices in or recommending improvements to a Melton. The design, known locally development proposal. to build 7 new houses in a backland as The Cheese Wedges, was approved In the previous Suffolk View we location within the conservation area before Christmas. SPS supported the covered our involvement with the at Kersey, adjacent to a row of Grade principle of the striking modern design Felixstowe Society over the Bala II* listed cottages. Despite objections but felt that it was over-scaled for this Cottage at Felixstowe Ferry. from Historic England, the Highways location and raised doubts about the SPS had successfully called for the Authority and the Parish Council, impact on wider views from the AONB. unconsented changes to the semi- and indeed a recommendation for In order to maximise the value of the detached Edwardian Villa to be refusal from the Planners, the planning site we consider that the success of subject to a retrospective planning committee at Babergh District Council the redevelopment of this key site will application. However, since then, and (BDC) approved the application. ultimately be compromised. despite vociferous objection from Following the decision, the SPS has A more positive outcome has resulted all local groups and many residents, been supporting a challenge from a following our response to a proposal the Councillors at Suffolk Coastal number of residents who suggested for an apartment development for forty approved the substantial remodelling that there were serious errors made flats on a Conservation Area site in of this simple dwelling. So the in reaching this decision, primarily Lowestoft. SPS accepted the principle resulting modern block-like structure because of there being no proven of redeveloping the site and felt that the is here to stay. Striking and refreshing need for housing in Kersey which design was mostly acceptable. However, architecture, or an eyesore devoid of could justify the harm to the historic given the sensitive seafront location, SPS the character of the original house? environment. We are pleased to hear felt that the building was over-scaled. Bala Cottage will remain a controversial that the decision will be revisited by Amendments have been submitted talking point. the BDC planning committee once which show a reduction of ten units SPS has worked with The Dedham additional supporting information has resulting in a one-storey reduction which Vale Society in sending a joint letter to been received and following further is welcome, although issues with the the Chief Executive of Konings, raising consultation with Historic England. design remain unresolved. grave doubts about plans to expand and intensify their drink production business. Serious concerns were raised over the Company’s lack of regard to the special qualities of its location within the AONB at Boxford Fruit Farm. A meeting was subsequently arranged between the Konings site manager and Dedham Vale and SPS representatives to discuss this. Strong objections have been raised by local parishioners in Kersey that the approval of a housing scheme could cause serious heritage harm to their historic village. The SPS had raised a series of objections to plans The Hold - design for the new Suffolk Records Office
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Former Fison’s Listed factory on the Building at Risk Register. Debenham’s draft Neighbourhood Plan now received AONB NEWS to report that these funding bids were groups regarding non-designated SPS has recently responded to the unsuccessful and the future of these heritage assets. SPS supports Historic consultation by Natural England over key heritage sites remains unresolved. England in its aim to encourage their proposal to extend the Suffolk Better news for Ipswich which received Neighbourhood Planning groups to Coast & Heaths AONB. If approved, funding via this fund to address the use the process to identify buildings, the designated area will extend into viability gap on the Ipswich Garden monuments and landscapes which Essex to include the northern edge of Suburb site. are of special local interest. In the Tendring peninsula as well as the the meantime, consultations for inclusion of parts of the Freston Brook CONSULTATIONS Stradbroke and Debenham’s Draft Valley and Samford Valley areas on the SPS has responded to the Suffolk Neighbourhood Plans have been Shotley peninsula. We welcome the County Council Minerals and Waste received. extension as AONB designation offers Consultation. We reviewed the greater protection from developments proposed allocation sites for sand and ENERGY which will impact their special gravel extraction across the county, Following our response to their landscape quality, see page 13. objected where proposals affected scoping report for two further off- SPS has also contributed to important valued landscapes and worked with the shore windfarms, Scottish Power work by the AONB partnership AONB Partnership to oppose proposals Renewables has met with SPS to which examines the use of colour which impacted upon the AONB discuss the issues raised regarding the in the AONB. This has shown that SPS has contributed to a consultation potential impact of these substantial careful choices in the materials, and from Historic England on an ‘advice new energy developments along the particularly their colour, can play an note’ for Neighbourhood Planning Suffolk coastal and inland landscape. important part in how comfortably a new development can ‘sit’ within the Sub-station infrastructure special AONB landscape. The AONB Partnership aims to produce detailed guidance for the local authorities and developers for both the Suffolk Coast & Heaths and Dedham Vale AONBs.
HERITAGE Last year, SPS was happy to support the joint bids of Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council to the Housing Infrastructure Fund for up to £10million to unlock two major stalled housing sites which feature heritage buildings at risk. Fison’s is the largest listed building in the county and is on the Victorian Society’s Top 10 Endangered Buildings list. HMS Ganges at Shotley plays an important role in the history of the British Navy as a training college. Unfortunately, we have
8 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 County Courier News and issues from the districts, amenity societies and members
SPS District Chairs can be contacted via the Lavenham office
the consultations. We can only hope Bury St. Edmunds Station, housing nearby that enough influential people are taking a similar interest in ensuring that the scheme turns out to be not only productive and efficient, but also acceptable in the land and sea-scape. In Saxmundham there is keen opposition to the potential development of an important greenfield site south of the town, known as The Layers. A campaign has been mounted and the situation will need close attention. In December we had a good meeting, which the SPS Director, Fiona Cairns and SPS planner, Bethany Philbedge, attended concerning current developments around the area. I had attended two Consultations - one regarding the route of the ‘four villages bypass’ at Marlesford and the other on the subject of Issues and Options Borough of St. Suffolk Coastal – ie the siting of new housing and employment developments. These Edmundsbury District sessions were very interesting, but Report by Rod Rees for SPS St. Edmundsbury Report by Jo Rogers, Chair SPS Suffolk Coastal raised questions rather than supplied District Committee Committee solid answers and facts. The potential The Bury St. Edmunds Town Since my last report not much housing sites in particular were most Centre Masterplan will shortly be has changed in the progress of difficult to assess as to suitability and going forward for final approval. The the applications which have been they were extraordinarily varied, both plans include relocating buses from concerning our district over the last in size and location. More time and St. Andrews Street as well as the year and more, but we now find the detailed examination is needed before pedestrianisation of the Cornhill and off-shore wind farms and their huge anything definite can be planned. Buttermarket. The application for a new problems regarding connection to My move away from the area later in Waste Hub at Fornham was agreed the grid are presenting really serious the year was noted and I announced at local level but awaits full approval by worries for the future. This is such a that we will need a replacement Chair Government. Plans for 18 apartments on major development it is hard to know and additional committee members. St. Andrews Street South (between how to react as a mere SPS member. There is a serious need for more and Neptune and Denny’s) have raised much We are aware that the Director, younger members to support the SPS local concern because of both road Fiona Cairns, is very involved and but, as with all charities at the present safety and detailed design. Concern making an important contribution to time, this is a difficult task. One has has also been expressed about an The Layers, Saxmundham application for a five/six storey block of 46 apartments on the EMG Motors site on Tayfen Road. Building works have commenced on some of the five strategic development sites around Bury, all which have now received formal planning permission. Work will also start shortly on a new development of 135 flats adjoining the railway station and plans for a new Travelodge hotel and Starbucks roadside coffee outlet on Etna Road/Compiegne Way have recently been approved despite local residents’ concern about road safety.
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frequent and urgent conversations about the complexities and short- termism of government plans, the weaknesses in the planning situation that allows inappropriate large-scale development in the wrong place and the low standard of design in housing. People should be impressed by SPS’s professional approach and aims, and the positive contribution it makes to planning outcomes, but the next step, to become involved, seems frustratingly hard to take.
We extend our grateful thanks to Jo Rogers who has contributed regularly to this column and given her time to Chair the SPS Suffolk Coastal District Committee, having supported the SPS over many years; thank Elmswell edge – required to absorb more development you Jo. Editor effectively protect heritage assets and impacts that this development would designated landscapes and always have upon the setting of St. John’s demand a high standard of design. Church, the adjoining alms houses Mid Suffolk (and The next stage will be for the Plan, and Elmswell Hall while the Draft Babergh) Districts along with the representations, to be Local Plan (mentioned above) already submitted to the Secretary of State for identifi es a number of other possible Report by Phil Butler, Mid Suffolk District formal examination later this year. The sites. earliest that the Plan will be adopted On a more positive note the is still some 18 months away so until application for 49 dwellings at Green that time we will remain in a situation Road, Woolpit has been refused where both Councils lack a relevant because of the impact of increased plan that supports more appropriate traffi c on the historic village. A separate and sympathetic housing developments application for 60 dwellings which across the districts, so watch this space! SPS has also objected to is yet to be As a consequence SPS continue to determined. As many Mid Suffolk (and Babergh) object to inappropriate applications There was not such good news for residents will be aware a Draft Joint such as the 98 dwellings on a greenfi eld Thurston where fi ve applications, Local Plan, covering both districts, site adjoining the village of Haughley. totalling around 900 dwellings, have was recently consulted upon. The Plan SPS is particularly concerned that this now been approved following an considers how much development had been identifi ed by Mid Suffolk unsuccessful request from the Parish land will be needed, appropriate as a potential housing site despite Council for the Secretary of State to approaches for establishing this, the being adjacent to Haughley Castle, a ‘call-in’ the applications. An Appeal for overarching policies and potential Scheduled Ancient Monument, which two dwellings on a site designated as allocations. SPS submitted an in-depth would be harmed by having such a a Visually Important Open Space in response very much focused towards large number of dwellings impacting the Mendlesham Neighbourhood seeing development targeted in larger upon its undeveloped rural setting. Plan has been upheld, a disappointing sustainable settlements where facilities Similarly, SPS has objected to a outcome which undermines the huge and services can be provided, but proposal for 250 dwellings on the edge amount of work carried out by the local highlighting the need for policies which of Elmswell because of the harmful community in creating their Plan. Haughley Castle The Hold – proposed design for Suffolk Records Offi ce
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Borough of Ipswich Broomhill Lido, Ipswich that is it will include the three miniature Report by Mike Cook, Ipswich Society triglyphs and the water First, the bad news – then the good. feature, assuming the Suffolk County Council (SCC), in its funding stream can austerity drive, has been seeking to save be uplifted from the money on the archive service whilst major players. The increasing its storage capacity. Thwarted market will move, in its first plan to outsource the service during the construction completely, it decided to build a new period, to Upper central headquarters in Ipswich on a Princes Street and site donated by the University of Suffolk Queen Street, which (UoS) as long as a lecture hall facility for is now pedestrianised, the University was incorporated. The and provided with new building, to be called The Hold, a appropriate electrical memorable name, will be on the car University a civic building worthy of the outlets. The work is contracted to be park in Fore Street in Ipswich, opposite Town’s historic centre. If Suffolk County completed before Christmas. the main UoS building and ‘the question Council really want to support Ipswich mark’ sculpture. The building will be in a ‘city status’ bid, then it should build mostly single storey with a double a landmark edifice. The plans, having height search room and two-storey been considerably changed for the better Waveney District administrative building. It also includes after the objectors’ initial letters, were Report by Trustee, Jessica de Grazia Jeans an education annexe with lecture hall, approved by Suffolk County Council’s seminar rooms and learning centre; own development committee in January The SPS has now written twice to the ancillary café, retail and exhibition space, 2018. What a chance has been thrown local planning authority (LPA) opposing and landscaping. The London architects, away. a proposed 76 house development on Pringle Richards Sharratt, chosen with And now for the good news – the Church Lane in Carlton Colville in a care for their good record in design and Broomhill Lido group, after sixteen field immediately adjacent to the town’s delivery in many prestigious museum years of effort by its determined ancient church. In the last 10 years, and gallery projects, have presented supporters, have obtained funds from Carlton Colville has been overwhelmed plans for a seriously flawed building. Ipswich Borough Council, themselves by banal and dense development which Suffolk RIBA, the Ipswich Society and the Heritage Lottery Fund and has subsumed what was once a rural and SPS have written letters of their planning application has been village into Lowestoft’s suburban sprawl. objection, made press presentations approved. So a full restoration of the The church and the field are all that and commented in their publications. Listed Grade II Art Moderne 1938 pool is left to create an historic sense of Further, we have spoken at both the will go ahead. The pool will be managed identity. The Town Council is strongly meeting of Ipswich Planning Committee, by Fusion Lifestyle, the UK’s best historic opposed to this development and there the statutory consultee under whose pool operator, and will be heated, just are good grounds for the LPA to refuse planning regulations the application to take the chill off and to extend its it. Waveney District Council is slightly comes, and of SCC’s own Development season, with new diving boards and a shy of its required five year housing land and Regulation Committee meeting replacement clock tower. It will include supply but the town has identified other where we were joined by the Ward a café and a new health and wellness sites where development would be more Councillor. centre. These facilities will ensure year appropriate. Moreover, the NPPF makes We, and the large number of informed round presence and income, and will clear that the presumption in favour of professionals who objected, believe open in 2019, and the pool for the 2020 sustainable development does not apply that this is a missed opportunity to season. There will be a ‘thirties’ themed where policies protecting designated build, adjacent to the Waterfront and the celebration for the pool’s 80th birthday heritage should restrict development, as on Sunday, 30th April, 2018 at the pool. is the case here. Impression of Cornhill, Ipswich This is a real cause for Carlton Colville has become a celebration for Ipswich and dormitory town for employment centres Suffolk; our thanks go to like Norwich and Beccles. Residents all those who supported spend most of their working and its revival through some leisure time outside the town. This very low times, they have undermines civic capacity. The SPS achieved more than they set has previously helped the Town Council out to; persistence pays. resist inappropriate development and Work started in January was delighted that members of the Town to revitalise Cornhill in Council attended the recent SPS urban Ipswich. The contract is design workshop, held in Southwold, see to complete the project page 24. according to the final planning application granted,
11 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 From the News-stand Copy and comment
RIBA Sterling prize winner – Hastings Pier
Imaginative conservation growth projections would be used as the Morris space standards, the ingenuity of the re-design and heritage skills demographic baseline for every local design created interior spaces that afforded authority area. If carried through, this could both spaciousness and fl exibility. Brown initiative win the Prize enable many of our more controversial was not alone in rejecting tower-blocks as In case you missed this - a seaside pier won housing allocations to be removed, such as a model for the future, but few did more to the RIBA Sterling Prize having been rebuilt those in AONBs. This can only be for the develop an alternative model and do so with after a devastating fi re in 2010. The new-look good of the countryside. such a high level of architectural ambition Hastings Pier has been repaired and rebuilt, and skill. Two months before his death he then creatively reimagined. The 19th century Lifelong campaign against packed the Hackney Empire in East London. structural iron work, hidden below deck, has About 1,300 predominantly young architects been painstakingly restored and strengthened architectural vandalism came to hear from the man who had just following years of neglect, storm and fi re We must give a nod to the passing of Gavin been awarded the RIBA’s Royal Gold Medal. damage. The surviving Victorian Pavilion, Stamp, the architectural historian, who died at the end of 2017. Mr. Stamp had studied one of two buildings on the Pier, has been Will EH survive long-term? transformed into an open-plan, glazed architecture under Dr. David Watkin, who There is wide concern about the fi nancial cafe-bar. The vast pier deck has been set infl uenced a whole generation to rethink their ideas about modernism, and who pined for future of English Heritage (EH). In April aside as an uninterrupted fl exible expanse 2015 Government-owned EH was divided for large-scale concerts, markets and public the neoclassical values which underpinned the great European tradition. He wrote the in two, one half retaining more than 400 gatherings. The new timber-clad Visitors’ archaeological and historic monuments “Nooks & Corners” in Private Eye magazine Centre building in the centre of the pier in its guardianship. It was given charitable and joined the likes of Colin Amery and has a viewing deck on its roof providing a status under the same name. Many felt it Dan Cruikshank, Lucy Lambton and the dramatic space for visitors to experience epic had insuffi cient fi nance to carry its plans Betjemans in trying to prevent the ‘wreckage’ views along the coast and across the English forward, and self-suffi ciency by 2023 felt like of Britain. He defended the red telephone Channel. courageous optimism. It however appears to boxes designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott The architects, dRMM, have used timber have performed well but EH has announced which led to around 2,500 being listed, and throughout the project, much of it reclaimed its intention to restructure with the loss of his drawings of Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, from the original pier: the Visitors’ Centre about 160 posts. The concern is for those the ‘cathedral of Arts and Crafts’ in Belgravia, makes a feature of its scorched wood properties in its care which are diffi cult to illustrated his impassioned pamphlet written cladding. The reclaimed timber has also market commercially, possibly contributing to support Betjeman’s successful campaign to been used to create the pier’s striking new to their gradual demise. There could be a furniture, manufactured locally as part of a save that great building from demolition. He shortfall of over £21.2 million in Government local employment initiative. The architects was a television presenter of great charm as funding by 2023. The task of the experience and local community have transformed a well as a photographer, draftsman and writer of managing and maintaining our heritage neglected wreck into a stunning, fl exible new of prodigious talent. into the future is probably vastly greater than pier to delight and inspire visitors and local originally estimated, and the matter of EH’s people alike. It is regrettable that the pier is Modern Architect who rejected long-term viability, and care of its properties now up for sale, the managing charity being tower blocks is concerning many. unable to support it. A nod must also go to Neave Brown who died in January this year. A pioneer of Oxford Farming Conference Do dry words have clout? low-rise, high density housing and the only Speaking at the Conference in January The Chancellor’s budget at the tail-end of last architect to have all of his British buildings Michael Gove, Secretary of State for year upped the talk of building even more listed. He was a street-based architect – low, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told houses, and the requirements that would ground-hugging and dense – that owed much farmers that the current subsidy regime, which need to be in place to produce them. The to his admiration for the Georgian terraces of rewards land ownership, will be replaced, after Consultation that followed has suggested London. In 1965 he completed a terrace of Brexit, by a scheme focused on environmental a change to the way housing targets fi ve houses at Winscombe Street in Camden. enhancement, such as tree planting, wildlife are calculated. In summary, household Designed to meet the demanding Parker and improving water quality and good soil
12 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
This took into account, among other Broads cash boost things, house prices. Affordability of The Norfolk & Suffolk Broads (which includes housing does not directly correlate Lowestoft and Beccles in Suffolk) is Britain’s with local housing need and should largest protected wetland and third largest not be used in the formula. For inland waterway, with the status of a national example, if a house price crash park. The Broads Authority was set up in reduced house prices substantially 1989, with responsibility for conservation, this would not affect the number of planning, recreation and waterways. It has local families needing a home – it received a grant of £2,437,500 from the might make homes more affordable Heritage Lottery Fund, through its Landscape for some. The proposed formula Partnership Programme, for the Water, Mill would see large increases in ‘local and Marshes project and Heritage Skills housing need’ the authorities would Training. This valuable funding will be be required to meet, but increased augmented to provide £3,957,499, enabling pressure on the historic environment. delivery of 38 individual projects over a 5-year The Consultation also looks at period which will enrich and promote heritage increases in planning fees. While sites in and around the Broads National Park. the Alliance welcomed increased The project started on 1st January, 2018 and resources for local authorities it will run until the end of December, 2022. expressed concerns over fee increases being applied to applications for Listed National Trust’s new Director- cultivation. This change in approach could Building consent rather than large transform the appearance of our landscape developments of new housing. General Hilary McGrady, who is the conservation for the better with a more verdant, attractive charity’s Chief Operating Offi cer, and has countryside of mixed-use farming. However, Proposed AONB extension worked for the National Trust since 2012, land must be allocated for food production Natural England is currently considering said she was ‘immensely proud’ after being and housing and will compete for available varying the southern boundary of the appointed to the organisation’s most senior acreage. Let’s hope the contenders are Suffolk Coast & Heaths (SC&H) AONB. The leadership role. She offi cially commenced her compatible also within the budget – see Statutory Consultation on the proposed new post on 12th March, 2018. articles on pages 3 and 4 of this Issue. extension was approved in September 2017. Originally the Consultation was aimed Church Bells win Protection at relevant local authorities (Suffolk and Churches have repeatedly had to comply Essex County Councils, Ipswich Borough with noise abatement orders to silence Council and the district councils of Suffolk their bells after complaints from often only and Tendring in Essex). However, Natural a handful of home-owners despite the fact England decided that it should be extended that bells have rung out for generations. to other stakeholders and the public. New planning laws will see unreasonable The Consultation ran from restrictions no longer placed on Church bells January to April 2018 – we because of changes in nearby land-use for remain hopeful. housing. After all the church bell, as the 16th century metaphysical poet and churchman John Dunne reminds us, “… tolls for thee”.
The Heritage Alliance unites over 100 independent heritage organisations in England, of which SPS is one, as a powerful, effective and independent advocate for heritage. As England’s biggest coalition of heritage interests it brings together the National Trust, English Heritage and the Historic Houses Association with more specialist bodies representing visitors, owners, volunteers, professional practitioners, funders and educationalists. Its 6.3 million members demonstrate the strength and commitment of the independent heritage movement. Heritage Alliance has responded to the Consultation Planning for the Right Homes in the Right Places. Its response set out concerns in regard to the Government’s proposed new formula for calculating local housing need.
13 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Quote of the Issue “There is a deep human need for beauty and if you ignore that need in architecture your buildings will not last.” Sir Roger Scruton, English philosopher and writer who specialises in aesthetics and political philosophy
“If we want to preserve that which we cherish - a thriving agriculture sector, a healthy rural economy, beautiful landscapes, rich habitats for wildlife, a just society and a fair economy - then we need to be able to shape change rather than seeking to resist it.” The Rt. Hon. Michael Gove, MP – Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs In Remembrance Brian Morton, MBE 1935 - 2017 It is with sadness that we report the passing, intervention and cost effective solutions in November 2017, of Brian Morton, a related to all types of structure used in the Trustee of the former SPS, and a true construction of every kind of building. supporter of a conservation approach to the During his career, he advised a signifi cant care and repair of ancient buildings. He was number of churches and cathedrals, and of immense assistance to the SPS Board of was Honorary Engineer to Canterbury Trustees in so many ways, his expert advice Cathedral and a member of the Fabric was truly valued and he gave his personal Committee of Westminster Abbey. His aim time unstintingly. was to design solutions ranging from the Brian’s professional life spanned careful repair necessary to small historic Littering From over 40 years. He was an exceptionally buildings, to undertaking full design and experienced structural engineer and was project management for some of the Vehicles Outside awarded a Fellowship of the Institute of most prestigious buildings in the country, Civil Engineers. He received a MBE for his including St. George’s Hall, Liverpool and contribution to building conservation in the Mansion House, London. London (Keepers: 2005. As founder of the Morton Partnership When Brian moved to Suffolk he was able Limited, a nationally renowned company to undertake his passion for boats and spent Civil Penalties) of Consulting Structural Engineers based many happy times sailing along the East in London, Essex and Suffolk, he led the Coast. Regulations 2018 company to work on projects that included He will be greatly missed by so many – the repair of the Albert Memorial, the family, friends and colleagues and by those construction of St. Edmundsbury Cathedral’s many people he assisted along the way. We This will make it easier for Councils to tower and the rebuilding of Southwold Pier. at SPS will always be grateful for his sound take ‘enforcement action’ to tackle littering His company’s ethos was for innovative low advice so freely given. from vehicles by holding the keeper of the vehicle responsible. It gives powers to Councils in England, outside London, to issue a ‘civil fi xed penalty notice to the keeper of a vehicle when there is evidence that a littering offence has been committed from the vehicle’. The owner of the vehicle is liable to pay the penalty, and the amount payable is set by the local authority - and must be the same as the level of fi xed penalty for littering in the area. It comes into force from 1st April, 2018. This regulation decriminalises this offence: now it is a civil offence with a civil penalty, rather than a criminal one, so more likely to be enforceable.
SPS President, Lord Marlesford, introduced this Bill to the House of Lords in 2013-14 and it now passes into law after amendment.
14 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Heritage matters ‘The House at Orchard Barn’ Ringshall, Mid Suffolk – Part 2
Planning permission has been granted to northern bay shown in reinstate a medieval building at Ringshall, Figure 1. – see Part 1, ‘the house at Orchard Barn’. Orchard Barn page 21, Issue 130 for is a traditional buildings’ skills centre which diagram. Its original brick offers practical instruction to enable people piers and timber lintel to learn the traditional techniques involved remained intact, albeit in repairing old vernacular buildings. exposed to the elements, In Part 1, Issue 130, we looked at despite the insertion of the exciting discovery of a dilapidated a smaller fireplace in the timber-framed house collapsed and lying 19th century. Although in vegetation, extending over 50 feet in the superstructure length, complete with original diamond- of the chimney had mullion windows, ‘inglenook’ fireplace and fallen, the chimney symmetrical wall bracing, known colloquially breast also survived. as ‘The Long House’, because of its length. This fireplace was 9 feet 6 inches in width (This reference should not be confused with Diamond shaped peg hole the Neolithic long houses of the first farmers and was an impressive of central and western Europe around 5-6,000 and remarkable survival under the and a cross-passage and service area to the BC, or the medieval ones found in Devon and circumstances. It could have been south. This layout is typical of the 16th and Cornwall, Cumbria, Wales and Scotland. They contemporary with the structure, but was early-17th centuries, and was undoubtedly were traditional shelters under a single long possibly an addition of the early-17th reflected in the pattern of the building roof, for human and animal.) Orchard Barn’s century. A smaller early-19th century as found, which was entered by a door in ‘long house’ is a far superior specimen being fireplace had been built against the back of the cross-passage position. The passage founded on high status medieval building the main chimney in order to heat the room even retained a short internal partition principles and techniques, according to the at the northern end of the building which of studwork to screen it from the hall. Historical Building Survey carried out by had since collapsed; this fireplace was found However, it is likely that the door entrance Architectural Historian, Leigh Alston, MA intact also despite the loss of its chimney. and internal partitions were later insertions (Oxon), on which this article is based. In because the original binding joists contained his opinion this building is among the most Building Plan and Window no partition mortises and appear to have remarkable in Suffolk. Part 2 follows. Openings spanned a single large room that extended The original layout of the building was not some 33 feet from the southern gable at Fireplace - 16/17th Century immediately clear. It ostensibly contained a least as far as the existing chimney. To give A large, south-facing brick fireplace central hall heated by a high-end chimney to credence to this the gable retained evidence adjoined the western wall of the windowless the north, with an unheated parlour beyond, of a central diamond-mullion window. The The intact 16th or early 17th century fireplace
15 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
windows were also unusually small and also follows an east-west alignment. Leigh in sound condition and could readily be unostentatious for what was evidently a Alston suggests that the proximity of the repaired or incorporated into a new timber large and expensive structure. two buildings is striking, and Nine Elms frame constructed on the same principles as may represent a replacement on the same the original. While some components such Site Plan tenement of a medieval farmhouse with its as the common ceiling joists would require It was hoped that in the course of new rear wing of the late-16th century. The complete replacement, a reconstruction investigation of the eastern wall further eastward projection of the northern cottage that incorporated all the remaining sound evidence would come to light but in the in 1904 may also relate to the truncated components would retain more historic meantime it seemed likely that the building main range of the house although it fabric than most Tudor houses and remain represented the rear wing of a much could equally be interpreted as a lean-to worthy of listing at Grade II. He ended by larger Yeoman farmhouse that faced the extension. adding that it was to be strongly hoped pond to the north. Later, this wing was that this remarkable structure, which had converted into a house in its own right, and Historic Signifi cance and survived for so long despite gross neglect, was separated into cottages in the 19th Condition could be saved for the future in the way century, as it remained in 1904 apparently, The surviving 16th century timber frame he had indicated. As stated, planning as indicated by the dividing line on the Site was of excellent quality and obvious historic permission has been granted to reinstate Plan shown on page 22, Issue 130. Such an value at the time of Leigh Alston’s Report. ‘the house at Orchard Barn’ and is an orientation is also suggested by Nine Elms He considered its loss would be highly exciting project. Traditional carpentry Farm, mentioned in the Introduction on the regrettable from all perspectives. Despite students have commenced this great task same page, which dates from circa 1620 but fi rst appearances the key timbers remained starting work on the east elevation.
Message from Orchard Barn Traditional Skills Centre The Centre is delighted that planning permission has been granted to reinstate this 1580 Suffolk ‘Long House’ (see our website). Originally, framed in Tudor times, these ancient timbers have spent many decades hiding in the bramble bushes adjacent to Orchard Barn. This ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ project is reinstating the timber frame using a ‘like-for-like’ approach. Original timbers will be repaired and re-used wherever possible, and local trees are being sourced to use for the rest of the timber frame. Why not develop your knowledge, skills and abilities and become involved with the restoration of this important Suffolk building, and learn traditional carpentry techniques on this ‘live’ project. Advanced Timber Framing courses will be working on the east and west elevation later in 2018, to reserve a place contact [email protected] or telephone 01473 658193. An artist’s impression by Jo Pepper is based on a historical building survey undertaken in 2007 by Architectural Historian, Leigh Alston, MA (Oxon).
16 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Heritage matters
Church Farm House, Sudbourne
Quality of Place
Awards 2017 Side elevations The seventh annual Quality of Place Awards of Architects Two Ltd. as Landscape Expert ceremony took place last November, Judge; Peter Hill, Chairman of the Planning recognising the best in design and Committee of the Aldeburgh Society and conservation in Suffolk Coastal District. former Head of Development Control for The annual awards are a celebration of Babergh District (South Suffolk) as Amenity the effort being made by people across Society Judge and, fi nally, John Lamont, Local Suffolk Coastal to add to the quality of their Architect and member of RIBA East, as the environment, by creating high quality designs Design Expert. in both the built and natural environment and The Awards, in several categories, were helping to conserve the historic buildings. presented by Suffolk Coastal Chairman, The judges were - Cllr. Tony Fryatt, Cllr. Chris Blundell with bronze plaques Cabinet Member for Planning as Chairman for the category winners and certifi cates Judge; Fiona Cairns, Director of the Suffolk for the highly commended schemes. The Presentation Society as Conservation ‘Pure Conservation’ category has been Expert Judge; Patricia Shepherd, Director selected here.
17 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
Details of fi re surround Interior
Staircase with lead treads Church Farm is a Grade II listed farmhouse that occupies around two hectares of grounds and gardens. The house was built in about 1630 on the site of a former Manor House with signifi cant alterations being made in the Victorian era and in the 1930’s. The external walls are of Flemish brickwork around 18” thick with Dutch style gable ends. Although only one room deep, the farmhouse is some 82 feet long. This length, together with the relatively high storey heights gives the building considerable presence, certainly greater than would normally be associated with a farmhouse. The client wanted a scheme that respected Church Farm’s historic qualities whilst making effective interventions to address those aspects that had been most compromised by earlier alterations, whilst at the same time fi tting the house for a long term future. It Pure Conservation Winner was important for the architects to trace the history and evolution of the property in order CHURCH FARM HOUSE, with the skilful delivery of a wide ranging to understand how best to tackle the problem SUDBOURNE programme of repairs to provide a stylish and issues, like the restoration of original features, by Architects, Nash Baker of London and commodious family home. The exemplary defi ciencies in the internal layout, external Contractor, Wayne Snowling. restoration of this listed building is testimony access and the building’s relationship to its to the expertise, dedication and enormous setting. The judges were “impressed by the masterful sensitivity of the architect and his team to the One of the key starting points for the project juxtaposition of contemporary elements with character and fabric of this important piece of was restoring the Dutch gabled roof. The high a listed 17th century brick farmhouse together Suffolk’s heritage.” quality 17th century oak carpentry of the
18 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
View through drawing room Sensitive and attractive
Church Farm House – side view
Roof showing use of leadwork trusses, wall plates and ceiling The works carried out in the 1930s had joists remained largely intact, included a new and rather grand oak staircase but repairs and reconstruction rising to the fi rst fl oor and situated in a large work were needed to reinstate entrance hall. With minor adjustments to the and reveal the roof’s historic staircase, the entrance hall could be reduced carpentry. A decision was taken and the main living space restored to its to address the ground fl oor original size. The stairs to the attic were also layout and add a new single moved to allow light to come in from the storey extension at the rear of the window on the fi rst fl oor landing. building, sitting between the single Landscape Architect, Marc Linton, designed storey Victorian scullery to the a new entrance approach and added a series right and a two-storey wing added of three formal parterres to the front of the in the 1930’s on the left. A three- house, and additional brick terraces on the bay single storey lean-to element south and west sides. The project took nearly was conceived to transform the 3 years to complete, but the result is a subtle ground fl oor layout by creating an and exquisite weaving together of the historic, open plan family kitchen-dining the not-quite-so historic and the contemporary area at the heart of the house, into a quietly confi dent statement of opening onto the garden on one architectural and design excellence. side and interconnecting with Nash Baker Architects the rest of the ground fl oor living www.nashbaker.co.uk areas on the other.
19 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Heritage matters Norfolk Oaks felled for Suffolk Building Restoration
In 2012 a conservation project connected with a medieval moated site at Honing Hall, Norfolk, necessitated the felling of mature oaks to prevent damage to the site. This operation coincided with a request from Jack Wheeler, a local green oak carpenter particularly interested in utilising locally- grown trees and with a preference for working with traditional hand tools, to buy two standing mature oaks to convert into timber for a restoration project in Sudbourne, Suffolk. Yes you have guessed it – Church Farm House, the winner of the Pure Conservation Award, reported on page 17. The owner of the house is architect Howard Nash of Nash Baker Architects, so he was his own architect for this project. He wanted only traditional tools to be used and this is where it gets interesting. Jack had met Axel Weller, an East German-born expert in traditional carpentry who practiced ‘lunar phase’ felling techniques. He says “I try to cut trees just before the ‘black moon’ – that is a few days preceding a new moon – when the water and sap content in trees is reduced.” By felling trees at this time there is less risk of shrinkage and splitting can be minimised. It is reasonable to suppose that if the sap content is reduced there is less starch in the sapwood and the timber is consequently less prone to insect attack. In addition to the ‘moon felling’ the Honing Oaks were also left with their crowns on after felling as they were just coming into leaf, the precept being that the leaves continue to draw water from the tree, contributing the same benefi ts mentioned above to the quality of the timber. The carpentry techniques used were also traditional. The trees were felled using felling axes, a two-man crosscut saw and Hornbeam wedges. The building conversion was achieved through the use of a variety of axes – heavy felling the materials, and happy he was benefi ting axes for the rough hewing plus the environment. After the fall of the Berlin broad axes and other traditional Wall, Axel fi nally achieved his goal to wear tools, particularly for marking the uniform of an itinerant companion in out. Axel is a truly remarkable carpentry and has since worked all over man having had a precarious the world, increasing his knowledge and working life in East Germany. perfecting his skills. He discovered the pleasure of We salute them all. working in wood, and the art of building curved staircases. In Courtesy of Woodland Heritage that grey and industrial setting he www.jack-wheeler.co.uk developed a taste for working by www.axelweller.com hand, enjoying direct contact with www.nashbaker.co.uk
20 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Historic Brickwork in East Anglia, recording and conserving historic pointing finishes A survey by Simon Swann Associates Ltd. with funding from Historic England
Simon Swann Associates, traditional brick Regional methods and styles in the Included will be initial literature and experts, have been appointed by Historic finishing of brick joints (and re-pointing) archive searches; development of an England to undertake surveys in 4 historic do not appear to have been surveyed and illustrated glossary of pointing and jointing towns, which include Beccles and Bury St. recorded previously. Similarly no apparent types and terms; the development of survey Edmunds. record has been made of the application of and recording protocols for joint finishes; Pointing and jointing (and associated various types and arrangement of jointing, surveys of four market towns across surface finishes) to brickwork form an pointing and associated surface finishes on Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex; comparative important aspect of the historic brick brick building elevations where multiple assessments of different mortar materials facades that characterise the architectural techniques may be employed as part of the analysis techniques (characterisation) and a landscape of many market towns in East original design. final report. Anglia. The surviving pointing and jointing The project will help to increase The work is due for completion by the finishes, mainly dating from the 18th & awareness and understanding of the use end of March 2018. 19th centuries, are subject to attrition by and evolution of traditional brick joint processes such as weathering, alterations finishes and is seen as an extension to the Courtesy of Simon Swann and repairs. Some aspects of these finishes work carried out for the Historic England www.swannassociates.co.uk such as colour washes, joint highlighting and publication Practical Building Conservation; “pencilling” may be eroded more rapidly, Earth Brick and Terracotta. only traces may now remain externally.
Tuck Pointing on the C18th Town Hall, Beccles; A very neatly executed C18th “Flush joint, jointed” clear evidence that the brick bond has been in Bury St. Edmunds on Suffolk whites now much “improved” through the pointing. The vertical joints darkened by pollution. Cleaning such walls tends to are typically more thin than the bed “tuck” point. lead to loss of such fine detail.
The intact 16th or early 17th century fireplace
C19th Polychrome brickwork (reds and whites), on the same building facade, exhibiting different joint mortar colours.
“Bastard tuck pointing” in white, providing a raised Typical C16th double struck jointing, with thin render and projecting joint, neatly trimmed, characterised by details to widows in imitation of a tone, and traces of shrinkage due to high lime content. red ruddle.
21 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Heritage Matters Traditional Building Skills, Conservation Courses and Lectures by Essex Place Services
Our Traditional Building Skills and conservation, management and repair craftsmen and experts in their specialist Conservation Courses Programme has of historic buildings in the wider fields. We also offer a number of free been designed to enable conservation historic environment. All our courses places through the City & Country and building professionals, contractors, and lectures are delivered by leading Bursary Scheme. general builders, and the owners and managers of historic buildings and Tel: 03330 136840 sites, the opportunity to increase [email protected] their knowledge and skills in the
22 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Membership – A gift or bequest leaves a lasting legacy – please get in touch Membership Information To new members of the SPS we extend details, which we keep on our data base a warm welcome and hope you enjoy and which have been protected under the your Suffolk View publication which you current Data Protection Act (1998). We do To discuss legacies and bequests or will receive twice a year as part of your not pass on to others your information. request an additional Suffolk View subscription. It aims to keep you informed The new directive requires that you, please telephone 01787 247179. and up-to-date on many of the subjects as a member, understand that we will we believe will interest you and should process your personal information to New Joiner’s Membership – available you wish to comment about any article or support your membership, including by standing order online: add to the debate please do not hesitate sending you the Suffolk View publication, Household - £30 per annum to contact us. If you would like us to as well as occasional emails regarding Parish Councils & Amenity Societies - forward a further copy of this publication future events and general updates etc. As £30 per annum to pass on to a prospective new member, you have joined us, we assume that you Organisations - £70 per annum please telephone 01787 247179, or email would wish to continue to hear from us. Life Member - £500 [email protected] However, if that is not so, please email In May 2018 the EU General Data us at [email protected] or telephone CPRE membership available online Protection Regulation comes into force 01787 247179, telling us exactly what from £3 a month via the SPS website after a two-year transition period, and will you want us to stop sending you, and link www.suffolksociety.org be passed into UK law through a new Act we will exclude you from all relevant also direct www.cpre.org.uk of Parliament. The legislation is designed future communications. The SPS has to give back to people control over their endeavoured to fulfi l its obligation to A warm welcome to personal data. As a member of SPS you you under the new regulation and will have provided us with your personal continue to do so in the future. new members who have joined since 27th DO WE HAVE YOUR UP-TO-DATE EMAIL ADDRESS - THIS September 2017 SAVES US POSTAGE CHARGES?
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23 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 SPS Events Review All our events aim to raise funds for the work of the SPS.
overwhelming Suffolk’s villages and towns. Mark Bee (Beccles), the Leader of Waveney District Council, gave the keynote address emphasising the importance of Suffolk distinctiveness in the design of new development. The morning presentation was followed by a site visit to Tibby’s Triangle in Southwold, where small groups were guided by experienced architects who promoted discussions about what worked and what did not. Feedback was so encouraging that the SPS intends to repeat the programme in the latter part of 2018. Grateful thanks go to Southwold Town Council for sponsoring the venue and lunch, together with the local architects who kindly donated their time to facilitate the site visit and discussion. Jessica de Grazia Jeans, SPS trustee
Hillhouse Wood, Suffolk
An Evening With Professor Tom Professor Williamson heads up the English Williamson Landscape Group within the School of Last October Members were invited to enjoy History at the University of East Anglia. both the surroundings of Framlingham We are grateful to him for his time and to College and its newly opened pavilion to Framlingham College for hosting this highly attend a fascinating talk by renowned English entertaining evening. landscape historian and archaeologist Chris Philbedge, SPS member Professor Tom Williamson. After enjoying drinks and canapes, a packed house of both Urban Design Training For Parish members and Williamson followers was left Councils & Amenity Groups rapt by a presentation which in many cases In November, the SPS held a workshop, changed our perception of the landscape and delivered by Peter Dawson, (an urban the role that trees have historically played designer and landscape architect at Essex within it. Place Services), on urban design specifically Professor Williamson explained how trees geared towards the needs of parish can inform us about not just the history of councillors and intended to give them an a physical landscape, but also the historic introduction to the tools that they need in socio-economic development of a locality. order to respond as statutory consultees to He spoke entertainingly about his continuing the onslaught of large scale development research on tree population, disease and landscape. Most notably, the Professor stated Parish Councillors discuss the pros and cons of good design at Southwold that a historic landscape was unlikely to have included ancient trees of an age we now so passionately seek to preserve. He told the audience that historically residents understood and utilised their trees well through careful management. In fact, he suggested that most trees were not allowed to grow older than 60 years, otherwise, through disease or simply because they became too large for the tools of the day to work with, they would become a wasted resource. Trees were an important asset in pre-industrial England and populations were ever conscious of the need to forward plan through re-planting to ensure a legacy for generations to come - something we all need to be cognisant of today.
24 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Diary Dates Support and enjoy events while raising important funds for the SPS! Check the website for full details www.suffolksociety.org BOOKING INFORMATION All SPS events are open to members and their guests unless stated otherwise. However, some events may take limited numbers for obvious reasons so early booking is advisable. Please book through the SPS office, unless an alternative is given – Little Hall, Market Place, Lavenham CO10 9QZ, email address [email protected] or telephone 01787 247179. Cheques are payable to ‘SPS’ and upon receipt names will be placed on a list – tickets not usually issued. However, where tickets become necessary for a particular event, this will be indicated, and we request you enclose a stamped-addressed envelope.
Members’ Annual Meeting Paul Simon runs his own public relations Events 2018 followed by SUMMER EVENT consultancy and is a freelance business Early booking advisable through the SPS journalist commissioned by Archant. This SPRING EVENT office, numbers will be limited for the talk – workshop aims to demonstrate the ways see below. in which amenity groups can make more THE EVOLUTION OF SUFFOLK’S effective use of mainstream media and June: Friday, 8th social media to raise awareness of their HISTORIC LANDSCAPE AGM 6.30 pm start Hosted by SPS campaign, highlight their concerns about Book through the SPS office proposed developments, build a campaign There is no charge for the talk by Barbara team and target their messages to different Segall. SPS wish to encourage new members audiences. The session will involve a HAUGHLEY PARK BARN to join and it is open to all: nonetheless Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3JY practical element aimed at writing the donations to SPS would be appreciated and perfect media release. can be gift aided. April: Tuesday, 24th Time: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm AN EVENING WITH The owners of Cockfield Hall, Jon and SIMON JENKINS Cost: £18.00 Lois Hunt, have generously invited us to Open to all Hosted by SPS hold the SPS CIO AGM followed by its Early booking advisable through the SPS office Summer Event at this private historic This special event examines the historic house. FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE buildings, topography, settlement patterns Cockfield Hall in Yoxford is Grade 1 College Road, Framlingham, IP13 9EY and field systems which give Suffolk its listed standing in 40 acres of historic distinctive historic landscape character, parkland dating from the 16th century. September: Friday, 21st and explains the methods and techniques It was built by the Spring family, wealthy Time: 6.30 for 7.00 pm which can be used to ‘read’ the history cloth merchants and later baronets of Cost: £18.00 of the landscape around us. It focusses Pakenham. Sir Arthur Hopton built the on how the impact on the historic Gatehouses and North Wing in the mid- Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations environment came about and how we 16th century. The house remained in the Sir Simon Jenkins is a former Chairman manage it today. Interested in the history Blois family from 1686 to 1997. of the National Trust and one of Britain’s of Suffolk’s landscape and why our towns The short business of the evening will be most prominent journalists. He has written and villages look as they do today? Then followed with refreshments par excellence many books on politics, history and do join us for a morning full of interest. and a talk by Barbara Segall who has architecture, including England’s Thousand Dr. Richard Hoggett is a heritage recently published her new book, Secret Best Churches and England’s Thousand Best consultant specialising in heritage Gardens of East Anglia. Come and join us. Houses. His latest is Britain’s 100 Best planning and has provided advice to Railway Stations, the subject of his talk. individuals, landowners, local planning MEDIA TRAINING FOR AMENITY “Railway termini and hotels are to the 19th authorities and developers and for over GROUPS century what monasteries and cathedrals twenty years. Hosted by SPS were to the 13th century,” noted an There will be a coffee break with time Book through the SPS office architectural journal in 1875. They are truly for questions and discussion, see website the only representative buildings we possess.” for full details. RIVERSIDE CENTRE, This often-quoted observation explains 6 Great Glenham Road, why the great Victorian stations, with their SPS CIO ANNUAL Stratford St Andrew, IP17 1LL vast roofs of iron and glass, are still so GENERAL MEETING impressive and important. Much survives July: Tuesday, 3rd to delight and protect the passenger today. COCKFIELD HALL, Time: 10.00 am In his new book, Simon Jenkins extols the Yoxford, Saxmundham IP17 3ET Cost: £30.00 Free to members virtues of 100 of them, as well as offering a brief history of the rise, fall and rise again of Britain’s railways. 25 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Suffolk Preservation Society Charity Incorporated Organisation Annual General Meeting 2018 Registered Charity No: 1154806
Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of Suffolk Preservation Society CIO (the “CIO”) to be held on Friday, 8th June 2018 at 6.30 pm at Cockfield Hall, Yoxford IP17 3ET for the following purposes:
1. To note any apologies for absence; 2. To receive the Trustees’ Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2017; 3. To receive the Trustees’ Annual Report; 4. To re-elect Trustees Ralph Carpenter, Nicholas Pearson and Jessica de Grazia Jeans, who retire by rotation in accordance with the CIO Constitution; 5. To confirm Cerys Shepherd and Jackie Ward as Trustees co-opted during the year by the CIO; 6. To appoint a registered auditor to the CIO, to hold office until the conclusion of the next general meeting when accounts are laid before the meeting. 7. Director’s report. 8. Questions to the Director and Trustees
Paid-up members of SPS CIO (including paid-up Suffolk CPRE members who gain automatic membership of SPS CIO) may attend and vote in person at the Annual General Meeting by registering at the Registration Desk which will be open at Cockfield Hall from 6.00 pm, 8th June 2018. Voting will take place by a show of hands.
Members who are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting in person may appoint the Chairman or another person to speak and vote in their place at the meeting. The appointment of a proxy must be notified to the CIO in writing using the proxy form overleaf and delivered to the registered office of the CIO, Little Hall, Market Place, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9QZ at least 72 hours before the date and time of the Annual General Meeting.
By Order of the Trustees Andrew Fane Chairman
Note: The CIO accounts ended 31st December 2017 will be made available on the website from 1st May 2018, and at the AGM. A personal profile of the proposed Trustees offering themselves for election is on the CIO’s website and available at the AGM. Copies of the 2017 AGM Minutes will be available at the AGM. For reasons of economy AGM papers will not be mailed out to Members unless requested. www.suffolksociety.org sps@ suffolksociety.org
At the conclusion of business the guest speaker, Barbara Segall, will talk about the Secret Gardens of East Anglia, and refreshments will be served – see Diary Dates on page 25 for details – therefore we ask for an indication of attendance – 01787 2471, or email as above.
We look forward to welcoming you.
26 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131 Suffolk Preservation Society Charity Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity No: 1154806
Form of proxy for use at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday, 8th June 2018 in accordance with the Notice of Meeting.
To be valid this form of proxy must be signed by the Member and received at the offi ce of the CIO at least 72 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting.
I/we the undersigned, being a Member/Members of Suffolk Preservation Society, CIO, hereby appoint the Chairman of the meeting or the person hereby named –
...... as my/our proxy to attend, speak and vote in respect of my/our voting entitlement at the AGM of the CIO as set out in the Notice of Meeting.
Resolutions: VOTE FOR AGAINST WITHHELD 1. Apologies for absence
2. To receive the Statement of Accounts
3. To receive the Trustees Annual Report
4. To re-elect Trustees Ralph Carpenter, Jessica de Grazia Jeans and Nicholas Pearson who stand down by rotation 5. To elect Cerys Shepherd and Jackie Ward as Trustees having been co-opted during the year by the CIO Trustees
6. To appoint an Auditor to hold offi ce until the conclusion of the next AGM.
Signature of Member: ...... Date: ......
27 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
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28 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
Could this space be working for you? Why not advertise with us through this publication and help support the Society. Suffolk View is published twice a year with a circulation Size Cost per issue of around 2,000 per issue and is distributed free to all B/W Colour Members of the Suffolk Preservation Society/Campaign to Protect Rural England. In addition, copies are sent to Full page £270 £343 the local media, the county and local planning authorities, Half page (133mm x 186mm) £166 £218 professional bodies – architects, doctors and health centres, dentists, solicitors, veterinary clinics, the local media and Quarter page (133mm x 90mm) £114 £135 Suffolk Members of Parliament. It is also sent to libraries, Eighth page (64mm x 90mm) £83 £104 parish councils and amenity societies across the county, plus all County Branches of CPRE in England. For more Banner (50mm x 186mm) £83 £104 information contact the editor/office on 01787 247179.
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29 Suffolk Preservation Society | Suffolk View | Spring 2018 | no 131
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31 Suffolk View is the publication of the Suffolk Preservation Society The SPS ethos is to protect and enhance the quality of the countryside, towns and villages of Suffolk. Its work promotes protection for the built heritage and wider landscape and supports sustainable development while agitating for improved design in new build. With planning and conservation professionals based in Lavenham, and with the support of members throughout the County, it is well placed to take effective action through the planning system to retain the integrity of Suffolk for the benefi t of everyone, and for future generations. It is the only non- political, independent charity in the County to represent this interest.
Please join today and become part of the action to protect Suffolk. www.suffolksociety.org
A publication of the Suffolk Preservation Society
Little Hall, Market Place, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk C010 9QZ tel: 01787 247179 www.suffolksociety.org