C O N T E X T 1 3 3 : M A R C H 2 0 1 4 31 VALUING HERITAGE Forum Heritage Services.The latter led the workshops, drafted the documents, provided independent advocacy for the area and formed an important part of the working trilogy of community-council-consultants. Following a positive response and findings, the working group undertook a detailed character appraisal in July, with wider publication and public consultation in September and October. The appraisal investigated what makes the ‘special’ qualities of the conservation area, its historic development and surviving features, and what constitutes the character and appearance, the architectural context, individual buildings, negative features and issues. The working group found that there were few examples of similar work and limited recognition of what was such a unique concept in terms of design and layout. The 20th century architecture and 18th century landscape forms an elegant and uncontrived area of considerable character and cohesion. The form and layout of the serpentine lake has remained relatively unchanged from its 18th century origins. It was fascinating investigating the area’s history and context through period maps, prints, books, estate accounts, records of land sales, planning applications and reviews in Country Life, the Architects’ and RIBA Journals from the 1970s. The development of Lakeside Drive began in the 1960s when an area of 3.6 hectares to the south of Milbourne House, containing a lake of 0.8 hectares, was acquired by Pace Developments for a new residential estate. The scheme, comprising 16 detached houses, was designed by the architect Royston Summers and constructed between 1971–78. In 1976 the development received a commendation in the RIBA Architecture Awards, although it was not fully completed. Summers’ design intention was to provide a high-quality development. ‘Each [house] will be a variation on a single theme, built of similar components, arranged in slightly different ways’ with the layout preserving ‘as many of the sound existing trees as possible’. The mix of single- and two-storey elements to each house uses a component kit of parts. There are some underlying similarities such as the distinctive window walls, views of the lake through the house service core and north-south orientation, while also making each house private and unique. The management plan, tailored towards the type and period of development, encompassed the aspects of management and monitoring, with specific appendices covering landscape development and context, a summary of the modern movement and guidelines for new development. Working closely with such a proactive residents association and interested local organisations encouraged a continuing dialogue to identify and address issues. Examples included the potential effects of energy efficiency measures, the replacement of windows and doors with modern materials, and the changing styles of planting schemes. It is unusual to find a potential conservation area without the traditional architectural hierarchy and such a level of homogeneity, but the consensus of the working group was that this area did have its own unique special character that warranted designation. The six-week public consultation reinforced this view, with strong support from all the consultees, including endorsements from English Heritage and theTwentieth Century Society. In November 2013 members of the council’s planning committee supported the recommendation unanimously and agreed to designate Lakeside Drive, Esher, as a new conservation area and to endorse the CAMP document. The Lakeside Drive, Esher CAMP document is available to view and download from the council’s website http:// www.elmbridge.gov. uk/documents/detail. htm?pk_document=24552 Clare Smith is the heritage and landscape manager at Elmbridge Borough Council, Christine Manly is the council’s conservation officer and JamesWebb is the director of Forum Heritage Services. The new Lakeside Drive Conservation Area A 1895 Ordnance Survey map showing Milbourne House and its 18th century landscape layout with the serpentine lake, ornamental rides and planting.The new conservation area is outlined in red.
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