Heritage and Impact Statement Blore Hall

Anthony Short and Partners LLP 34 Church Street Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 1AE ______

HERITAGE AND IMPACT STATEMEN T

BLORE HALL DEVELOPMENT - PROPOSED 2 NEW SINGLE STOREY FAMILY UNITS

[With reference to Drawings: B20-09, B20-10, B20-11, B20-12, B20-13]

1.0 Background This document is a Heritage and Impact Statement prepared by Anthony Short and Partners LLP on behalf of our client Holiday Property Bond (HPB), with guidance from Historic England: The Setting of Heritage Assets (2015). The purpose of this statement is to assess the significance and impact on the heritage assets of Blore Hall, the church and the landscape and setting of the surrounding area by the creation of two additional family units within the HPB Bloor Hall development.

2.0 Site Location Blore is a remote village within the parish of Blore and Swinscoe, situated about four miles to the north west of Ashbourne, just south of Ilam near to Dovedale and the Derbyshire border (P1).

Blore Hall is situated within the village. The hall and associated buildings were converted to holiday accommodation in 1990. HPB bought the converted property in 1996 and have been used extensively by holidaymakers since 1998 when the first bookings were taken.

3.0 Historic and Arc hitectural Significance 3.1 ‘In the Domesday Survey of 1086 Blore is recorded as ‘Blora’ and belonged to Robert de Stafford. The manor was tenanted at that time by Edric. Within the manor there was enough land for five ploughs to till. The population consisted of four freemen and two villeins, or tenants who held land in return for labour services. Two furlongs of woodland were also recorded.

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Blore church was founded in the early 12th century and much of it dates from around that time, though with many later additions it managed to escape Victorian alterations and is almost as it was when the last additions were made in the early 17th century.

From the mid 14th century Blore was the home of the Bassett family until 1652 following the marriage of Elizabeth Bassett in 1618 took the Blore estate into the Cavendish family.’

With reference to:- Staffordshire Past Track, Staffordshire Places (staffspasttrack.org.uk)

3.3 On accessing the online Heritage Gateway (October 2014) the Derbyshire Heritage Environment Record (HER number 06062) for Blore Hall was found which made reference to the house and farm buildings:-

Heritage Environment Record HER Details: MonUID: MST9738 HER Number: 06062 Type of record: Building Name: Blore Hall, Blore

Summary: A listed, early 16th century manor house which was probably originally set within a moat. The house may retain elements of medieval masonry. Grid Reference: SK 1379 4940 Map Sheet: SK14NW Parish: Blore with Swinscoe, Staffordshire Moorlands District Protected Status: Listed Building (Grade II) 1757/05/063: Blore Hall

Full description: The stone farmhouse has medieval masonry. The will of Sir William Bassett (died 1553) mentions a hanging in the 'greate halle of Bloore'. In 1652 Blore Hall is described as a manor house with two courts, one brewhouse, three gardens, one barn, one stable and two lead cauldrons for brewing. According to the Staffordshire Hearth Tax in 1666, Blore Hall has sixteen hearth, ranking it in size as one sixty largest houses in Staffordshire. There are a number of 15th-16th century windows in the building. At one end of the original 'great hall' there is a large fireplace while at the other end is an old beehive oven built out of handmade brick. (SB, 04-Nov-2009)

On accessing The National Heritage List for England the following listed entry summary was retrieved:-

List Entry Summary This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.

Name: BLORE HALL List Entry Number: 1037899 County: Staffordshire District: Staffordshire Moorlands Parish: Blore with Swinscoe National Park: PEAK DISTRICT Grade: II Date first listed: 03-Jan-1967

List Entry Description: Details - BLORE WITH SWINSCOE C.P. BLORE SK 14 NW 5/63 Blore Hall 3/1/67 GV II

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Details: House. Early C16 with later alterations and additions. Red brick (English bond) with ashlar dressings and coursed limestone rubble extension; plain tile roofs; brick integral end stacks and ridge stack. The C16 plan comprised 2 parallel ranges aligned east-west, the north range projecting west and the south range projecting east, the north range was extended to the east in the C17 or C18 as far as the east end of the south range, a mid-C19 extension towards the west end of the north range is aligned north-south. South front: 2 storeys; 1:2 windows with a further blind bays width to the right, set-back north range to the left with mid-C19 porch to the right hand side and a C19 buttress to left, both flanking a 2- light flat-face mullioned window, central C16 first-floor window with 4-centred head and an inserted C19 casement; south range to the right has 16-pane glazing bar sashes with wedge lintels, that to the first floor right is blind and there is a similar but narrower window to the left of it; 6-panelled door to left of centre with rectangular overlight. Left hand gable of south range: C16 windows to ground floor left and first floor centre of two 4-centred arch lights and sunken spandrels, the former has a hollow chamfered dripstone band. North front: 2 storeys; irregular fenestration but roughly 4 bays width; lower 2-storey gabled extension to right with central ground- floor casement and central blocked first-floor window, the roof line of the extension to the left encroaches on a blocked C16 window with two 4-centred arch lights and sunken spandrels, casement to first floor right of centre within a C16 window frame, large glazing bar casement below replacing a C16 window, one jamb of which survives to the right, large cross-window to left of centre with flat-faced mullion and transom, possibly a stair window, this lies immediately left of a straight joint in the brickwork. East front: 2 and 3 storeys; 2 gabled bays and central straight joint, the left hand bay has 16-pane glazing bar sashes with wedge lintels, the right hand bay has flat- face mullioned windows, those to ground and first floor left and right have 2 lights, that to second floor centre has 4 lights.

Map National Grid Reference: SK 13811 49398 The below map is for quick reference purposes only and is not to scale.

Proposed site for new units

© Crown Copyright and database right 2015. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100024900. © British Crown and SeaZone Solutions Limited 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 102006.006.

This copy shows the entry on 14-Apr-2015 at 12:13:32.

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4.0 Assessing Significance and Impact 4.1 The Heritage Asset s 4.1.1 The heritage assets that would be affected within and around the proposed development site, are the Blore Hall holiday complex, St Bartholomew’s Church and the setting being the countryside in which both are positioned.

4.1.2 Blore Hall is part of the growing Holiday Property Bond (HPB) portfolio consisting of 31 outstanding holiday developments throughout the UK and Europe set in stunning locations. The properties range from historic buildings which have been beautifully restored and tastefully converted, to modern, purpose-built private resorts. All the properties comprise of accommodation and facilities to a high to luxury standard.

The magnificent historic (Grade II) hall and farm buildings at Blore Hall have been carefully renovated and converted as holiday apartments and cottages. The main hall is of red brick and plain clay tile construction with stone detailing to the windows and doors. The converted buildings are random coursed stone with dressed stone detailing and plain clay roof tiles.

The current mix of properties at Blore Hall is:- 1 studio, 7 one-bedroom cottages, 26 two-bedroom cottages, 6 three-bedroom cottages and 1 four-bedroom cottage.

The restoration and conversion of Blore Hall to its present form has made it a significant contributor to the setting and surrounding countryside. The buildings and grounds have been enhanced and are maintained to a high standard. Thoughtful and careful tree and shrub planting have ensured that certain areas eg tennis courts and car parks are not openly visible from the road, neighbouring areas or buildings.

4.1.3 St Bartholomews Church is set within trees in an elevated position to the west of Blore Hall. The church is medieval and listed grade I and mostly untouched by the Victorians it has many original features. The building is open daily and services are held every Sunday. Although adjacent to Blore Hall the hall’s high stone west boundarywall, church lane and mature trees surrounding the church allow both heritage assets to enjoy their own space without being overlooked or affected by the other. The church contributes to the Bloor Hall heritage asset not only because of its historic and religious interest but also because it is surrounded by church grounds of unique, natural and peaceful beauty.

4.1.4 The location and setting contribute greatly to the Bloor Hall heritage asset being in an elevated position overlooking Dovedale and the White Peak to the north and the open countryside over Swinscoe to the south.

Property bond residents use the complex and its facilities not only because of the high luxury accommodation but for its fantastic location where they have the opportunity to relax, enjoy natural outdoor pursuits, visit the surrounding villages and towns and their local amenities.

4.2 The Proposed Development (see dwg B20 -11 and B20 -12 ) 4.2.1 Assessment and Evaluation With the requirement for further larger accommodation units at Blore Hall it was necessary to take into careful consideration whether the site could take the expansion and also where the units could be best positioned in order that the heritage assets, existing accommodation units and residents were not compromised.

The courtyard single storey units are central to the complex, with the hall, swimming pool and two storey units (5, 17, 18)on the perimeter. The positioning of the new building at the south east corner encloses the complex along these boundaries, mirrors the format of the existing swimming pool and sits well within the setting with a mostly south westerly aspect.

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4.2.2 Social Impact With the growing trend for family groups to ‘holiday’ together, the proposed development will provide accommodation to satisfy this tourist demand with a new self-contained building consisting of two units:- Unit A – three bedroom; Unit B – two bedroom. Each unit will include an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area; bedrooms with ensuite shower and bathrooms; wc facilities and dedicated car parking.

This demand justifies the proposed building of the two units in order to meet the needs of larger families and family groups who wish to stay within close proximity of each other with self-contained facilities including separate parking and outside play area.

4.2.3 Economic Impact The new units at Blore will generate the need for some additional housekeeping, employing local staff, though this economic benefit is only marginal. A more significant economic benefit will be the amount of money spent off site by the occupants of these units.

It is estimated that the occupants of PHB UK properties spend on average £150 per person per week in local shops, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Last year Blore Hall obtained occupancy of 94.82%. Therefore, on this basis, the 10 occupants of the two new units will generate (10 x 52 x £150 x 94.82% = £73,960) £73,960 to be spent per annum in the Peak District National Park and surrounding villages.

4.2.4 Design Each site within the HPB portfolio is unique and the company endeavours to reflect the special characteristics upon new development by encouraging the use of indigenous materials and vernacular details in the design process. All new and converted properties are to be built and facilitated in accordance with the Design Requirements for HPB Properties (Revised June 2014), a guide to HPB requirements ensuring high standards of accommodation is provided throughout. Adhering to the design requirements ensures that all new units are to a very high, luxury standard with a strict attention to detail. [A copy of this document has been included with the application]

The building will be made from natural limestone rubble walling with sandstone corner quoins and window cill and lintol detail and Staffordshire blue clay roof tiles complimenting and blending well with the existing buildings’ materials, proportions and features that are typical to the Peak District.

4.2.5 Planning Policies Considered The planning policies considered during the design process:- • National Planning Policy Framework • Peak District National Park Local Development Framework – Core Strategy Development Plan Document – Adopted October 2011 • Peak District National Park - Climate Change and Sustainable Building Supplementary Planning Document - Adopted March 2013 • Core Strategy Development Plan Document (Adopted Version 26th March 2014) 8.3 Economy and Employment Policies SO3 and SO7 E3 - Tourism and Cultural Development 8.6 Design and Conservation Policies SO8 DC1 - Design Considerations DC2 - The Historic Environment • SPG: Design Principles for development in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

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Core Strategy policy RT3 (C) prohibits new build accommodation in principle. The proposal could therefore be judged as being in conflict with this policy. However, Core Strategy RT2 (B) states that appropriate minor development which extends or makes quality improvement to existing holiday accommodation will be permitted. Blore Hall is a substantial and well established holiday complex and it is felt that the proposal is a minor development but which would enhance greatly the facility and what the site can offer to ensure its sustainability.

4.2.6 Amount The proposed building is to be positioned at the south east side of the complex within the existing car park area next to the tennis courts and swimming pool and detached from the main area of accommodation units. Dedicated car parking is to be provided to enable easy access and provide a ‘self-contained’ feel.

The existing car parking will be relocated to a new car parking area to be created west of the swimming pool and by extending the existing car park at the north side of the complex.

The new building is designed to be of a similar height (approximately 3.4m to eaves and 6.9m to ridge) and width (7.5m overall) as the existing farm group, being based upon the proportions and style of the converted courtyard buildings.

The provision of two maintenance stores; one as a dry store, the other to include workshop and office. Storage for garden and servicing equipment is critical to ensure the buildings and landscaped areas are kept in pristine condition. It is felt that the present maintenance facility and recycling centre are poorly sited at the south east side of the complex, and so it is proposed that they are moved to the west side next to the church lane and the proposed new car park. This is a more appropriate location as it provides easy access from the lane to both facilities for maintenance staff, machinery and refuse lorries rather than passing into the main entrance and through the complex on the east side causing disruption to residents.

4.2.7 Access Accessibility is a key feature of the units providing easier access with no steps to entrances, large areas for ease of manoeuvrability and the inclusion of walk in showers.

External paths and paving are to be well drained, level and smooth and well compacted to provide wheelchair access.

4.2.8 Landscaping Landscaping and good planting is essential to provide privacy between properties and ease of maintenance. Paths and paving are to be well drained and provide clean access to units allowing for ease and ongoing operational maintenance.

The southern boundary is in need of upgrading and enhancing, therefore it proposed to build a ‘drystone’ retaining wall, plant some specimen trees and install an estate rail fence.

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VIEWS SHOWING THE SETTING OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND THE IMPACT IT WOULD HAVE ON BLOOR HALL AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE [Refer to drawing B20-09 Existing and B20-12 Proposed in Setting]

RIDGE HEIGHT OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL FAMILY UNITS IN CONTEXT

View from the Mappleton road (north east) showing the site within the setting of the surrounding open countryside

View from the Mappleton road (north east) showing the trees screening the proposed development site

View from the road approaching the entrance to Blore Hall (north east). The proposed building would be a similar height to the single storey converted courtyard buildings.

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View from the bridge over the stream at the entrance towards the existing car park and proposed development site. Young willow trees line the pond at the far south side which would soon grow to screen the proposed single storey building. The ground is pretty level through to the car park from this point.

View from the south west edge of the pond towards the proposed site (existing car park), the eastern boundary lined with ash, sycamore, silver birch and elm trees

View from the east towards the south west, the tennis courts and the swimming pool building to the west and the trees lining the east and south boundaries

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View from the east towards the west up to the swimming pool, converted barns and church beyond (the tower can just be seen through the trees. There is an approximate 1metre incline from this point to the west boundary wall.

View along the south boundary from the existing play area by the tennis court to the east, the proposed site, the trees beyond and open countryside falling to the south.

View looking down from the south westerly edge of the single storey converted barn to the proposed site beyond the tennis court.

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V10

View from the south field looking north east. The ground falls away from the Bloor Hall site providing open views of the countryside beyond.

V11

View from the church lane looking down towards the proposed site between the converted courtyard barns and the swimming pool building; and looking up the lane to the north.

V12

View up church lane, the west stone boundary wall of Bloor Hall and the existing 2 storey building (unit 5) on the perimeter.

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V13

View taken from the south side of the church towards the proposed site. Large mature trees block the view, and even more so at this time of year.

V14

View looking down the lane from the church north east gate, showing the stepped stone west boundary wall of Blore Hall.

B20 Heritage and Impact Statement/ ASAP/ September 2015

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