157-159 LANARK ROAD WEST CURRIE

Conservation Statement

Simpson & Brown Architects April 2011

Front cover: 157 Lanark Road West, 2011. Simpson & Brown

Contents Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 Objectives 3 1.2 Study Area 3 1.3 Designations 4 1.4 Site Inspection & Research 5 1.5 Abbreviations 5

2.0 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 6 2.1 Early Development of Currie 6 2.2 Historical Development of Numbers 157 & 159 Lanark Road 7 West

3.0 AS EXISTING 9 3.1 The Currie Conservation Area 9 3.2 157-159 Lanark Road West 10

4.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 12 4.1 Introduction 12 4.2 Identification of Impact 12 4.3 Evaluation of Significance 12 4.4 Mitigation 12 4.5 Residual Impacts 13 4.6 Relevant Policies from the Rural West Edinburgh Local Plan 13 4.7 Summary 14

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 15 5.1 Retention of Significance 15 5.2 Further Research 15 5.3 Physical Evidence and Recording 15 5.4 The Design of New Buildings 15

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 1 2 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Objectives This document has been commissioned by Cruden Homes (East) Ltd. who wish to develop the site assessed within this report. The document is intended to accompany the application for Conservation Area Consent to redevelop the currently unused site. This document assesses the likely impact on the Currie Conservation Area.

1.2 Study Area The site is approximately 0.28 hectares (0.68 acres) in area and its principal frontage faces north on to Lanark Road West. Although originally constructed as two separate residential dwellings, the site was later amalgamated for use as a care home which closed several years ago. The garden grounds extend southwards down to the Water of Leith.

Figure 1 OS Map showing location of study area. OS/Bing.com

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 3

Figure 2 Map showing location of 157-159 Lanark Road West with the Currie Conservation Area boundary. City of Edinburgh Council

Figure 3 Oblique aerial view from the S with the study area outlined. Bing.com

1.3 Designations The study area is within the Currie Conservation Area boundary – see figure 2. Reference has been made whilst carrying out research for this assessment to the 2000 character appraisal of the conservation area. In planning terms the site lies within the boundary of the Rural West Edinburgh Local Plan. No part of the site is listed by Historic Scotland as being of architectural or historical significance, but it is adjacent to 161 Lanark Road West which is listed at Category B and across the road from the Gibson Craig Memorial Hall which is listed at Category C(S).

4 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie 1.4 Site Inspection & Research A site visit was conducted by Simpson & Brown on Friday 8 April. Only very brief documentary research has been carried out for this report given the relatively short timeframe in completing the report, it is therefore likely that more information may be available. We consider that sufficient research was undertaken for the purposes of this report.

1.5 Abbreviations The following abbreviations have been used throughout this report. CEC City of Edinburgh Council NLS National Library of Scotland RCAHMS The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland S&B Simpson & Brown Architects OS Ordnance Survey

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 5 2.0 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 2.1 Early Development of Currie Whilst records show the establishment of a Christian community in the area as early as 1018, there is archaeological evidence that suggests human habitation in the vicinity as early as 1800 BC. The derivation of the name is uncertain but the conservation area character appraisal provides the most comprehensive list of possibilities: ‘Coria’, name of a Roman camp; ‘Curragh’ from the Gaelic, meaning a boggy plain; ‘Curri’, an old family name or British (or Welsh) “Curi”, a hollow1. One of the earliest buildings that exists today in Currie is Currie Kirk, which dates to 1784-52, which is situated on the south bank of the Water of Leith, connecting to its parish over the Currie Brig.

Figure 4 Detail of John Gellatly’s 1834 ‘New map of the country 12 miles round Edinburgh’ showing the limited extent of Currie at that date . NLS

One of the earliest maps depicting Currie clearly is John Gellatly’s map of 1834. This shows the Kirk and the small hamlet growing around the Currie Brig over the Water of Leith and the road junctions on what is now Lanark Road West. The 18th and 19th centuries saw expansion of both industrial and related residential developments that utilised the Water of Leith. Producing a variety of goods, these mills were then boosted with the arrival of the Balerno branch railway line in the 1870s that weaved its way alongside the river. This also provided a more convenient passenger station at Currie, with the earlier station which continues to exist today on the main line at Curriehill. The branch line passenger service was closed in 1943, with the line as a whole in 1968. Since then, some industry has survived in the area, but the three villages of Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno are primarily residential, with convenient commuter access to Edinburgh.

1 CEC; Currie Conservation Area Character Appraisal; 2000; p3 2 Historic Scotland; Listed Building Report, No 6139

6 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie 2.2 Historical Development of Numbers 157 & 159 Lanark Road West

Figure 5 1852 OS 6-inch map showing Currie. Two buildings, circled, are depicted on the site of the existing building – but it is not certain if they are the same buildings that exist today. NLS

Figure 6 Late 19th century view from the west showing Lanark Road West, with number 159 on the right. The caption for the same image in Old Currie, Balerno & Juniper Green appears to mistakenly refer to this as the old Post Office with the telephone exchange being ‘next door’ – figure 7 confirms that number 161 was in fact the Post Office, and 159 being the telephone exchange.

The earliest map evidence clearly showing both 157 and 159 Lanark Road West is the Ordnance Survey 6-inch map from 1852 (figure 5). This clearly identifies two separate dwellings in the correct location, although it is not possible to confirm that it is the two buildings that exist today.

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 7

Figure 7 Another undated view, perhaps early 20th century showing numbers 157, 159 & 161 Lanark Road West. Note the telegraph pole in the grounds of 159, and the further early example of non-residential use next door at 161 – the old Post Office.

Although the date of the two stone dwellings cannot be accurately confirmed, it is likely that the single-storey 159 dates to the early to mid-19th century. As a point of reference, numbers 161-165 are noted as dating to c18153. Number 157 appears to have been either altered or replaced to provide a full additional storey behind a mansard roof – possibly in the late 19th century. The more pronounced quoins, architrave around the former entrance door and skewputs are late 19th century in character, as is the general arrangement of bay windows and mansard roof. Nevertheless, it is possible that this was a remodelling of an earlier single-storey cottage similar to number 159 – there is possibly a trace of a construction break in the gable indicating earlier fabric predating the mansard roof. Although there are few references to either cottage in archival sources, both Currie in Old Picture Postcards and Old Currie, Balerno & Juniper Green have photographs (figures 6 & 7) that show the two cottages (albeit with number 157 largely hidden). The latter mistakenly refers to number 159 being the old Post Office, with 157 being the telephone exchange, but the slightly later image in Currie in Old Picture Postcards confirms number 161 as the old Post Office and 159 as the telephone exchange for the village. The images also show the attractive original railings to both properties which were presumably removed during the Second World War. It is perhaps interesting to note the commercial use of both numbers 159 and 161 at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries – albeit on a small scale alongside residential accommodation. It is not known when the two houses were amalgamated, but it is known that permission was granted in 1993 and 1994 to ‘alter and extend’ the then existing care home. The care home closed c2005 and an application was submitted to convert the property into a 13 bedroom HMO – although initially recommended for approval, this was later refused as a result of the unwillingness of the applicant to contribute towards upgrading pedestrian crossing facilities.

3 Historic Scotland; Listed Building Report, No 6126

8 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie 3.0 AS EXISTING 3.1 The Currie Conservation Area

Figure 8 A typical scene in the Currie Conservation Area – the footpath alongside the Water of Leith from the Currie Brig. S&B

Figure 9 General view of Currie Kirk and Figure 10 An earlier school building, dating the early 19th century schoolhouses. S&B to 1699. S&B

Figure 11 Currie Library is in another Figure 12 What is today the Woodhall Arms former school building, dating to 1903. S&B public house. S&B

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 9

Figure 13 A stone believed Figure 14 Remains of Figure 15 Typical view of the to be part of the medieval circular bottle kiln. S&B Water of Leith from the old Corslet Cross. S&B railway line. S&B The overall character of the Currie Conservation Area today is summarised in the character appraisal which states that ‘the combination of village, with more rural church grouping, farm, cottages and natural setting all in such a small space together and well tended make this a Conservation Area of considerable quality.’4 A variety of key buildings, shown in figures 9 to 14 provide the essential character of the village, with the linear development alongside Lanark Road West defining the most urban element of the conservation area that contrasts with the natural setting of the river and distinctly rural character around the Currie Kirk. 3.2 157-159 Lanark Road West

Figure 16 Composite view showing numbers 157 (left) and 159 (centre). S&B

Figure 17 Number 157. S&B Figure 18 Number 159. S&B

4 CEC; Currie Conservation Area Character Appraisal; 2000; p9

10 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie

Figure 19 Rear of number 157. S&B Figure 20 General view showing various extensions to the rear. S&B

Figure 21 General view showing various Figure 22 General view showing extension to extensions to the rear. S&B the rear, with 159 in the background. S&B

Figure 23 Modern infill block joining Figure 24 Generally poor quality uPVC numbers 157-159. S&B windows and rainwater goods. S&B

Figure 25 Rear of 157 Figure 26 Corner of 157. Figure 27 Former entrance to showing poor quality S&B 157, again in poor quality extension. S&B uPVC. S&B

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 11 4.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 4.1 Introduction The proposal to redevelop numbers 157-159 should be seen in the context of their currently unattractive condition, poor quality materiality and disuse. The development will not have an impact on any listed building. The demolition site is adjacent to listed buildings, and any proposed replacement buildings will have to be appropriate to the context of the surrounding streets.

4.2 Identification of Impact The impacts on heritage and conservation that are associated with this scheme can be listed as follows; • Demolition of a building within a conservation area • Effects of new development on Lanark Road West

4.3 Evaluation of Significance Whilst the two original residential dwellings were attractive stone-built buildings when first built, their amalgamation and re-use has largely negated any positive benefit that either may have otherwise contributed to the conservation area. Even if the buildings were still in use and maintained in good condition the unfortunate replacement of almost all of the original doors and windows with inappropriate uPVC replacements and disregard for any attractive features in works to extend and amalgamate the two properties contributes to the generally low level of significance of the site. The fact that the buildings have rapidly deteriorated in recent years since falling into disuse further underlines the unattractiveness of the site and suggests it detracts from the conservation area. Number 159 has minor historical and social significance as once having been the telephone exchange for Currie – although the fact that there is confusion amongst the books that highlight this suggests that this historical incident is not of any particular merit.

4.4 Mitigation The principal mitigative measures suggested include the following: • If the existing building were to be demolished, a low-level photographic record that is deposited with an appropriate archive should be undertaken. • Salvage of any good-quality building material from the two original dwellings and incorporating this material where possible in the redeveloped site. • Use of building materials that complement and enhance the conservation area – natural stone, slate roofing and high-quality (non-uPVC) fenestration. • A redeveloped site that alludes to the original separation between the two residential fues would be of particular merit.

12 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie • The redeveloped site should appear to be residential in scale to the street elevation, ideally repeating the one-and-half-storey height of the existing buildings, thus avoiding large blank elevations or overtly commercial frontages. • A high-quality treatment to landscaped areas to the front of the building with carefully designed vehicular access and lay-by if required. This should include appropriate replacement tree planting in lieu of any trees removed in the redevelopment of the site. • Although no original cast-iron railings remain in the vicinity, there is potential to install a high-quality boundary treatment that reflects the original character of the two residential properties, thus bringing a positive enhancement to the conservation area. • A reference to the use of number 159 as the telephone exchange might be of interest – perhaps in the name of the building, or with a feature in the immediate vicinity.

4.5 Residual Impacts The main residual material impact is that external materials of the new building should weather in the same way as the existing buildings. Appropriate detailing should be introduced at wall heads, sills, and other horizontal lines throughout the elevations to avoid ugly patterns of water staining. Furthermore, it should be taken into consideration that the pattern of change of use of the site suggests that a further change of use is a continuation of this. A high quality, discrete commercial or retail development that brings the site back into reuse and introduces a low-level of activity to the heart of the conservation area has the potential to bring long-term residual benefits to the area.

4.6 Relevant Policies from the Rural West Edinburgh Local Plan Policy E35 - Conservation Areas - General Developments in conservation areas will only be permitted where all features which contribute to the special character and appearance of the areas are retained. Such features may include unlisted buildings of townscape interest, boundary walls and railings, historic gardens, trees and landscape features, traditional and natural paving materials, street furniture, and the historic pattern of streets and spaces. In response to Police E35, it is not easy to argue that the study area in question contributes to the special character or appearance of the Currie Conservation Area, nor that the buildings contain any particular townscape interest. The boundary walls are heavily altered and have lost the original railings. It is possible that a redeveloped site could maintain the historic building pattern, massing and materiality as well as provide an opportunity to enhance the townscape with carefully selected paving materials, boundary treatments and new planting to replace the overgrown and unwieldy trees that are on the site today.

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 13 Policy E36 - Conservation Areas - Development Development proposals in a conservation area should take into account the area's special interest and how its character and appearance may be preserved or enhanced. Development will be required to be of good architectural quality and relate in mass, scale, design and materials to the existing fabric, respecting the historic pattern of streets and spaces and the principles of established building spacing, building line, roof line and boundary treatment. Alterations to existing buildings should have regard to the special character of the area, and appropriate traditional construction materials should be used. Stone and slate will be requested, where these are appropriate. Where traditional materials are not required, high quality building materials which are in harmony with the essential character of the area, must be used. The redevelopment of buildings which are considered by their appearance and scale to be detrimental to the character of a conservation area will be encouraged. The acceptability of demolition proposals will be evaluated against the merit and anticipated impact of the proposed replacement building. The demolition of an existing building, if approved, shall not take place before an application for a replacement building has been approved and the contract let. In response to Police E36, any proposals to redevelop the site should clearly demonstrate how the character and appearance of the conservation area will be preserved and/or enhanced. Early sketch proposals would appear to suggest that this has been taken into consideration and they demonstrate a high quality of architectural treatment which reflects the two former residential buildings in scale, façade pattern and materiality. The historical delineation between the two properties is also clearly referenced, avoiding any overt change in the character of the historic fue-pattern of the site.

4.7 Summary The impact of the proposed re-development is entirely neutral or, if carefully designed, positive. The conservation area will benefit from a use being found for the site as the current condition detracts from it. Although returning to residential use might be the expected option, the scale of redevelopment that would be required, and the unsuitability of either of the individual original buildings to current housing expectations without major alteration and extension does limit the viability of this option. The site should nevertheless be recorded before demolition. The record is largely for reasons of social history rather than a record of the aesthetic qualities of the buildings. This could take the form of a simple photographic survey that is submitted to the local library or RCAHMS. The early design proposals that have been drafted demonstrate that the architectural design of the proposals will be both an improvement on the quality of the existing buildings and appropriate to the character of the Currie Conservation Area in terms of scale, continuity with the existing buildings, materials and massing.

14 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations are in the form of guidelines and parameters for the nature of a redevelopment.

5.1 Retention of Significance None of the buildings on the site are considered to have anything more than minor significance. Adequate recording, salvaging of material, and redevelopment of a scale that reflects that original fue-pattern would be adequate in retaining any residual significance that the existing site has.

5.2 Further Research Basic archive research and consultation has been carried out for this study. More detailed study is possible if another research source is available.

5.3 Physical Evidence and Recording The inspection carried out for this report was external only did not involve any internal access or opening up. Whilst it is possible that more evidence of the original interior form and decorative finishes is preserved underneath later, less significant finishes, this has no consequence on the conservation area.

5.4 The Design of New Buildings The design of buildings in close association with existing buildings of significance always requires particular architectural knowledge, judgment, skill and care. There will be many appropriate ways of designing new buildings on this site but some basic criteria can be applied. They should be of appropriate quality and should complement the existing significant structures on the site. New buildings can be carefully matched, blended or contrasted with the existing buildings but in all cases they should combine to form a composite building or group of buildings of overall architectural and visual integrity. Even when a particular approach is judged to satisfy all the relevant criteria, the success of the development as a whole will depend on the fine detail, and on the skill and aesthetic sensitivity with which it is carried out. The design of new buildings should not be perceived as an end in itself, to be regarded in isolation. The composite building group should be of appropriate quality throughout and should have architectural integrity as a whole within the streetscape. The component parts should be maintainable and should be expected to age, weather and generally to grow together. The height of new buildings immediately adjacent to existing buildings should generally be no greater than the height of the existing buildings. Building materials are likely to be the main difference between the existing buildings and new construction. Natural materials of high quality are recommended with a mix of composite materials of equal high quality.

157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie Simpson & Brown Architects 15 Materials could be derived from the significant buildings in the surrounding area: • Sandstone, formed or clad in ashlar courses, yellow/buff sandstone with some gradation in texture and iron staining. Some stone surfaces could be tooled rather than left plain, • Metal or timber window frames, • Slate, • Metal gutters and down pipes. However, this does not exclude other materials commonly and successfully used in contemporary design. Materials such as cast or reconstituted stone, reconstituted slate, concrete tiles, UPVC gutters or windows are all considered to be of too poor quality to be used on this site or within a conservation area. The detailing of the new buildings will depend on the material chosen. If the new buildings contain detailing which refers in any way to the mouldings and other architectural form of the existing building, this detail must be handled very carefully. If details are to be repeated as a reference to the existing building, then they should be repeated accurately to avoid the feeling of pastiche. Accurate reproduction would include choice of the same stone, the same stone sizes, and an exact copy of mouldings and joint positions and widths. The relationships between detailed decorative features should also be understood. It is possible to design successful detailing which relates to the original, either in size, position, heights, or by lining through horizontally with the existing building but which is expressed quite differently. The architectural response which is least likely to be acceptable is a design between these two positions which involves an approximation of historic detailing without an understanding of its purpose or construction.

16 Simpson & Brown Architects 157-159 Lanark Road West, Currie