Designers of the London 2012 Olympic Parklands HOLYWELLS PARK, IPSWICH CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN FRIENDS OF HOLY WELLS PARK Holywells Park, Ipswich Conservation Management Plan December 2012 A 17 Minster Precincts Peterborough PE1 1XX United Kingdom T +44 (0) 1733 310 471 F +44 (0) 1733 553 661 W www.lda-design.co.uk LDA Design Consulting LLP Registered No: OC307725 17 Minster Precincts, Peterborough PE1 1XX December 2012 Holywells Park, Ipswich Contents 1.0 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................ 4 1.1. Planning Status............................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2. Consultation and Stakeholder Involvement ...................................................................................... 4 1.3. Site Information............................................................................................................................................. 4 1.4. Historical Development.............................................................................................................................. 4 1.5. Management and Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 5 1.6. The Overall Significance of the Site ....................................................................................................... 5 1.7. Headline Conservation Policies ............................................................................................................... 5 2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 7 2.1. Project Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 7 2.2. Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................... 7 2.3. Purpose of the Report ................................................................................................................................... 7 2.4. Site Information ............................................................................................................................................. 8 2.5. Social and Public Benefits .......................................................................................................................... 8 2.6. Background to the Project .......................................................................................................................... 9 3.0 Statement of Significance ...................................................................................................................................16 3.1. Heritage Merits .............................................................................................................................................16 4.0 Planning Policy Context ......................................................................................................................................18 4.1. Strategic Context .........................................................................................................................................18 4.2. National Planning Policy ..........................................................................................................................18 4.3. Regional Planning Policy Context ........................................................................................................20 4.4. Local Planning Policy Context ...............................................................................................................20 4.5. Summary ........................................................................................................................................................26 5.0 History and Context of Holywells Park .........................................................................................................27 5.1. Historic Development of the Site ..........................................................................................................27 5.2. Gainsborough ...............................................................................................................................................31 6.0 Existing Site Status and Condition .................................................................................................................36 6.1. Description of the Park ..............................................................................................................................36 6.2. Geology and Soils ........................................................................................................................................39 6.3. Topography....................................................................................................................................................40 6.4. Townscape and Urban Context..............................................................................................................40 6.5. Landscape Structure and Features, Condition, Character and Visual Quality .................... 41 6.6. Built Elements...............................................................................................................................................44 6.7. Ecology and Biodiversity ..........................................................................................................................46 6.8. Entrances, Access and Approaches .......................................................................................................48 6.9. Heritage Issues and Opportunities .......................................................................................................48 3361 3361 December 2012 Holywells Park, Ipswich 7.0 Proposals and Recommendations ....................................................................................................................50 7.1. Overview .........................................................................................................................................................50 7.2. Consultation ..................................................................................................................................................50 7.3. Survey Work .................................................................................................................................................50 7.4. Restoration of Ponds ...................................................................................................................................51 7.5. Drainage ..........................................................................................................................................................52 7.6. Building Restoration ..................................................................................................................................52 7.7. Summary of Proposals and Benefits .....................................................................................................54 8.0 Reference Documents ..........................................................................................................................................96 Appendices Appendix 1 – Landscape Character Areas – Plan Appendix 2 – Map of Holywells Park – 1850 Appendix 3 – Map of Holywells Park – 1867 Appendix 4 – Map of Holywells Park – 1904 Appendix 5 – Map of Holywells Park – 1926 Appendix 6 – Holywells Park, Ipswich by Thomas Gainsborough, 1748-1750 Appendix 7 – Holywells House Appendix 8 – The Orangery/Conservatory Appendix 9 – The Stable Block Appendix 10 – Gardens – Historic Photographs Appendix 11 – General Archive Photographs Appendix 12 – Bishop’s Hill – Archive Photographs Appendix 13 – The Lower Terrace Appendix 14 – Nacton Road, Cliff Lane and Myrtle Road Entrances Appendix 15 – Holywells Park Conservation Area – Appraisal and Management Plan Version: 1.1 Version date: 11 December 2012 Comment Insert comment about this version This document has been prepared and checked in accordance with ISO 9001:2008. 3361 1.0 Executive Summary The proposals now being submitted have been developed from those included in the Conservation Management Plan that supported a successful Stage One bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund/ BIG Lottery’s Parks for People Programme 2011. This work has been supported by a development grant from HLF/BIG. 1.1. Planning Status The proposals requiring planning consent, namely works to the Stable Block, Orangery and park entrances were submitted to the planning authority during January 2013. Works requiring Listed Building Consent, namely works to the Stable Block and Orangery were submitted at the same time. The Planning and Conservation officers have been involved in the project; have been consulted regularly during the development of the proposals and have attended project meetings. Their guidance has been followed and their comments have indicated keen support for the scheme. English Heritage has also been consulted regarding proposals for The Stable Block and Orangery. 1.2. Consultation and Stakeholder Involvement The client, stakeholders, local community and park users have been involved in the design process and their views