"Old Cottage" Cheam The Association of Conservation Officers Quarterly Newsletter No.8 March 1985 context -l~·A-f' • ....__,..__ J" ' ~/}.. •• v,~·•,,_,..
Context Contributions from any member, on any issue, are welcome - indeed, essential. Please send to your Regional Contact or direct to the Editor -addresses in next column. If possible please type written contributions in 85mm columns. This typeface is Pica Elite 12. FORMATas this issue. Published quarterly in March, June, September,, and December. DEADLINESfor copy at the end of February, May, August, and November. ILLUSTRATIONSmust be 85mm or 180mm finished width, minimum. Photographs must already be screened. POST all information and copy to the Editor, Jenny Birkett, at 130 Bouverie Avenue South, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP28EA 0722 334129 or 0722 336272 x387 (office) ACOREGIONALCONTACTS NORTH: Brian Jobling: 0632 816144 (Tyne & Wear County Council) NORTHWEST:Mike King: 0704 33133 xl21 (Sefton Borough Council) YORKSHIRE:Robert Scriven: 0924 370211 (Wakefield Metropolitan DC) x417 W.MIDLANDS:Carole Ryan: 0743 222332 (Shropshire County Council) E.MIDLANDS:Tony Jenkins: 0629 3411 x7122 (Derbyshire County Council) SOUTHWEST: Chris Smith: 0272 290777 x530 (Avon County Council) SOUTH: Roger Evans: 0296 5000 (Buckinghamshire CountyCouncil) EAST ANGL~A: Peter Rich~rds: 0245 352232 (Essex County Council) SOUTHEAST:Geoff Pink: 01 546 1050 (Surrey County Council) LONDON:Rosemarie MacQueen: 01 253 8455 (Hackney London Borough Council) SCOTLAND:Nie Allen: 031 343 1911 (Conservation Bureau SDA) WALES: Trevor Thorpe: 0267 4567 (Car~arth~n District Council) NORTHERNIRELAND: Colin Hatrick (DoE(NI) - ex directory!) 2 ACO OFFICERS CHAIRMAN: Mike Pearce: 0962 54411 x670 (Hampshire County Council) c/o The Castle, Winchester. SECRETARY:Tony Jenkins: 0629 3411 x7182 (Derbyshire County Council) 17 Crimicar Lane, Fulwood, Sheffield SlO 4FA TREASURER:Peter Richards: 0245 352232 (Essex County Council) 139 Lifstan Way, Thorpe Bay, Essex SSl 2XG MEMBERSHIPSECRETARY:Johµ Davey 0245 (Essex County Council) 352232 c/o Globe House, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex PUBLICITY: John Fidler: 01 734 6010 x721 (HBMC) (or messages 01 741 7297) 36 Ravenscourt Road, London W6 OUG EDITOR "CONTEXT": Mrs Jenny Birkett, (Salisbury DC) 0722 336272 x387 130 Bouverie Avenue South, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8EA CONSERVATIONIN THE 30's Ken Mercer of the district planning office in Carshalton, Surrey, very kindly sent the cover picture. "Old Cottage" is a late Cl5 cottage in Cheam that was dismantled when road widening took place in the early 1930's. It was then reconstructed on its present site.
Finance VAT: FURTHERIMPROVEMENTSOUGHT The original concession on VAT for listed buildings was amended recently so that the 75% test on reconstruction of buildings for sale was reduced to 60%. The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission was one of those bodies making representations. The Commission is fortunate to have amongst its members Jeremy Benson, architect and Chairman of the Georgian Group, and he has been active in suggesting further changes -having become something of an expect on taxation. Discussions with Barney Hayhoe, the Treasury Minister responsible for VAT, have centered on the need to 'stand the present concession on its head' and give relief not to approved alterations but to repairs and maintenance, so that fiscal policy would work with, rather than against, conservation policy. The HBMCwas invited to put up proposals giving costs in tax loss. Jeremy Benson's thoughts were to suggest a relief on the basis that the following would be zero-rated: (a) repairs and maintenance works (and materials) done by registered contractors to listed buildings, by grades I, II* and II. (b) the 'supply' ,i.e. sale or long lease, of a 'substantially rehabilitated' listed building where the costs of repairs and maintenance exceeds a set percentage of the whole cost of the work (ie the new 60% test, but in reverse) such that the supply may be zero-rated and all VAT previously paid on alterat1ons and professional fees could be recovered by the builder or developer. (c) repair and maintenance (and materials) done by registered VAT contractors to unlisted buildings in conservation areas. On (b), this was the relief which it was 3 thought could easily be lost if new construction loses its zero-rating. Clearly, it should be separated out in any proposals. Proposal (c) may be a non-starter even if relief were restricted to work to external walls. It was not thought possible to advance a 'do-it-yourself' relief to cover materials - nor could any relief be brought forward to help those using non-VAT registered builders. In thinking of the alternative reliefs ' Jeremy Benson's advice to the Commission was that it must be realistic and remember that the present reliefs are only thought by Customs and Excise to be worth about £1Om per annum - though in practice it may cost a good deal more. However, to suggest a new relief costing more than, say, £15m would seem foolish ' so it was necessary to think of ways of reducing the relief, for example: (i) unlisted buildings in conservation areas -restrict to street facade repairs and maintenance of buildings. (ii) Grade II -restrict to external works (roof included) to buildings: or - restrict to,say, 50% of work's costs, wherever done, internal and external. (iii) Grade II* -restrict to buildings (ie.exclude walls,railings, fences pavements). (iv) Grade I - no restrictions. It was thought that the Commission should try-to work up costs in sufficient detail to allow such information to be extracted: Regarding the various 'restrictions to buildings' above, it should be noted that the VAT concession is restricted to buildings that are listed buildings, thus not to any old structure, eg, a fence that may be listed. If it were necessary to restrict the scope of the proposed relief to keep it within bounds, then this at least follows the present Customs and Excise imposed code. Comments on the suggested breakdown and other thoughts would be very much appreciated. The proposals are not finalised.
t . , ' "li- --·~- ·, I --A:\ ~ .__.._ I <.___( (~~. THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS COMPANY: SUCCESSORTO THE HISTORIC BUILDINGS BUREAU Brian and Judy Leadsom of Chobham in Surrey have taken over where the Historic Buildings Bureau of the DoE left off. Their 70 page A4 size volume - the 'Yellow Pages' of the property worldshows a picture, description, and price for some 200 historic buildings which are for sale. It is published monthly 11 times a year under the title 'Period Property Register', and is sold by subscription at £15 for six issues. A quarter page property advertisement, the usual format, costs £35 per insertion. Interestingly, buildings are listed by age rather than by location. The Historic Buildings Company also "brings together the talents of professional people interested and know4 ledgeable in the problems of old buildings. We survey them, date them and value them; and we manage their alteration, restoration and repair." The Historic Buildings Company has written to us to say that it hopes we will be able to suggest to vendors and purchasers - including local authorities and building preservation trusts -that they use the services of the Register to advertise their properties or search for acquisitions. The address to write to, if you have not already seen or been sent a copy, is: The Historic Buildings Company Chobham Park House Chobham Surrey GU24 8HQ Tel: Chobham(09905) 7983 ARCHITECTURALSALVAGESCHEMES Arthur Percival of the Civic Trust has supplied (in response to a request from Desmond Hodges, Director of the Edinburgh New Town Conservation Committee) a list of firms known to be dealing in architectural salvage. He knows this not to be comprehensive and would therefore welcome further information, He hopes the Civic Trust may be able to publish a list eventually as a supplement to its Environmental Directory. In the meantime, here is the list of known firms/organisations which opeate salvage schemes. No particular order of size, location, or merit: London Architectural Salvage & Supply Co Architectural Salvage, Netley House, Gomshall, Surrey GUS 9QA Genuine Period Bricks, of Abenbury Brick works, Wrexham, Clywd 1113 ONT
Oakferry Ltd., Warminster, Wiltshire Walcot Reclamation, Walcot St., Bath Architectural Heritage, Boddington Manor nr. Cheltenham, Gloucs. Local authorities running their own salvage schemes include the GLC Historic Buildings Division, Cardiff City Council, Derbyshire County Council; some local amenity societies also run salvage schemes. POINT OFVIEW DESIGN CONTROLIS ESSENTIAL Contributed by David Stenning of Essex County Planning Department It has always seemed to me that the most powerful argument against design control is that directed towards its relative ineffectiveness. I am sure there is a case for arguing that post-1947 planning control works less well, from this point of view, than historic aesthetic restraints. When one remembers that the creation of 18th century Paris,or Edinburgh Newtown, was subject to such control, then the case seems very strong. Mediaeval buildings are strikingly sim- • ilar in design, despite regional variations and gradual social change. This remarkable uniformity seems to have been the result of the craft guild organisation and its tendency to limit innovation in its desire to seek dependable quality. Despite the decline of the guilds, the effects of craft dominance lingered on to the end of the 17th century. The emergence of the wealthy patron, (usually aristocratic), with his professional architect, eventually changed all that. The so-called 'rule of taste', when a small elite totally dominated building practice, had surprisingly similar effects. The wide dissemination of pattern books, 5 and the London Building Act, merely aided this process and tended to encourage uniformity. Only a Horace Walpole, with wealth and aristocratic connections, could 'rebel' to some effect; and even then remained within the overall cultural context. During the 19th century, the pattern of patronage broadened, leading to an increasing diversity of aim. This gradual collapse of consensus opinion eventually led to visual anarchy, and the worst eras of uncivilized building that have ever been known. One must remember that although these early forms of aesthetic restraint were undoubtedly crude and limiting, they helped to produce our delightful historic towns. Present day planning control is therefore just the latest manifestation in a long history of social adjudication, limiting the rights of the individual in the interests of securing the public good. As we are all aware, the architectural profession continually attacks design control, with the avowed intention of achieving its abolition. The hysterical cries of 'censorship' can be very persuasive, despite efforts to make a black and white case out of obviously grey issues. So far, the pressure has been resisted, but the process itself has dire consequences. For me, this is a major reason why design control is lacking in effectiveness. From top to bottom, the planning world feels nervous about design control. This state of unease and embarrassment affects many protagonists, and tends to express itself in strange and contradictory decisions, Surely we are all, when we conduct our affairs properly, part of an eminently respectable tradition that has done much to maintain design standards? I believe that we should all be addressing ourselves to the problem, to achieve a public re-evaluation of design control, as a civilized, positive, and necessary process. David Stenning
KEEPING WATCH CONSERVATION & THE NEW HOUSING & BUILDING CONTROL ACT: ACTION NOW! Alan Parnell, architect & fire consultant and SPAB Committee man, has been worrying about the impact of building and fire regulations on historic buildings for several years now. He was commissioned by the DoE and produced a report that has never been published. At a seminar in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in July last year, he mooted the idea that under the new building regulations there was scope for a specialist code for historic buildings, and that documentation could be produced by a working party of those concerned, including the Association of Conservation Officers. His researches have shown that over 100 Acts of Parliament could be applied, in whole or in part, to historic buildings; and that these are monitored by at least eight ministries, through more than 26 departments, and actually implemented by local authorities at county and district, and by their sub-departments. He argues that these regulations are not specifically geared to historic buildings work, and that the proper conservation of the buildings and the safety of their inhabitants is being jeopardized by the application of bad rules, with out seeing the spirit behind the law. He is therefore mounting an SPAB campaign to persuade the Minister, when implementing the new Housing and Building Control Act, to adopt an "approved" document for building regulations in historic properties. This could be drawn up by agreement between those specialists in conservation and the District Surveyors, Building Control Officers and the Fire Brigade. It would identify the special needs of historic buildings relating to health and safety; would state the minimum functional requirements for 'means of escape' 6 etc; and would demonstrate various techniques for their implementation. It would also give case histories for acceptable solutions. In the long term, Alan is looking for specialists to be appointed as 'Approved Certifiers' under the new Act, specialising in this historic buildings work. I understand that SPAB has now written to the Minisetr on the basis of Alan's ideas, and has received a negative response by return. The ACO backs SPAB on this important issue, and will press for 'approved documents' at the most appropriate time. John Fidler. HISTORIC BUILDINGS MONITOR AT THE GLC Authority to computerise the GLC's Historic Building Division records was given two years ago, and became operational last December. The system is designed to help identify patterns of change affecting different types of buildings throughout the London area. The Council should be able to identify classes of buildings at risk as well as help with plan preparation and general administration. The only pity is that, of course, tne GLC is about to be abolished. Although the Historic Buildings Division has secured a place in the Commission's lifeboat, is their computer compatible with the GLC's? The crew may only be able to take the tapes with them! The GLC's press release quo~es Norman Howard, chairman of the Histocic Buildings Panel as saying that the system " .. also highlights the failure of the Department of the Environment to monitor what is actually happening to listed buildings across the country." Well, perhaps the GLC's pioneering work will be put to good use. Certainly there ought to be a central monitor of the actual performance of the 333 local
■ planning authorities, not just their rate levies. Perhaps the Commission will be able to take the lead. BUILDINGS AT RISK: A NEWINITIATIVE BY ENGLISH HERITAGE Following the report of a working party, on which Mike Pearce sat for the ACO, to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, a post was created within English Heritage to deal with 'buildings at risk'. The old Historic Buildings Bureau was wound up, and Mr Harman at Savile Row was re-directed to his former role as Estate Land Surveyor for the Commission. Now John Fidler, ACO committee man and formerly with the City of London ( and before that the GLC Historic Buildings Division) has been appointed as the Commission's Conservation Officer for Buildings at risk. On an experimental fiveyear contratc, John's brief is to create low -energy strategies and methods to identify buildings at risk, and to implement initiatives to save them. His terms of reference are being interpreted as widely as possible, and he hopes to work very closely with local authorities and businesses and other government departments. High on his agenda are problem buildings in the countryside, redundant industrial stock, empty churches and chapels, and every nightmare list that ACOmembers dream about. Working closely with SAVE, building preservation trusts, local voluntary bodies and even developers and funding agencies, he hopes to tackle basic issues and encour-, age local activity. You will be hearing more from him in future issues of CONTEXT. Always available, John is in the Urban Conservation and Historic Buildings Division as a high-powered one-man department, in Room 207, 25 Savile Row, London WIX 2HE. (Tel: 01 734 6010 ext 271, or messages on 01 741 7297). John Fidler 7 HISTORIC BUILDINGSADVISORYCOMMITTEE As reported in our last issue, Mrs Jennifer Jenkins is retiring as a Commissioner of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, and therefore as Chairman of the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, a key committee in the disbursement of Commission grants. The question of her successor to that post is clearly a matter of some interest and importance. After hearing of many possibilities, we now understand that the position is likely to be filled by HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, an architect, and Deputy Chairman of the Commission. The Movies 'BUILDINGS - WHOCARES?' This is the title of a film available from the Arts Council which their Film Librarian thinks may be of interest to ACOmembers. Shown on television earlier this year, .the film was based on an original idea by Donald Insall and "is concerned with the conservation and preservation of Britain's architectural heritage". The hire charge of £16 covers one day's hire on film (16mm) or video ( VHS or U-matic) exclusive of carriage and VAT. The film can also be purchased. Enquiries and bookings should be made to: Arts Council Film and Video Library, Concord Films Council, 201 Felixstowe Rd Ipswich IP3 9BJ Tel: (0473) 76012 or 751754 Alternatively, further information can be obtained from the Film Librarian, Will Bell, at the Arts Council, 105 Picadilly, London WlV OAU, tel: 01 629 9495.
Historic Gardens The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission is completing the first list of historic parks and gardens, a specific duty given to the Commission by the Heritage Act. The list is framed in the familiar way, with Grades I,II* and II, and a description. For the Grade I gardens, Dr Chris Thacker is working on 3· description of the planting as well as the garden architecture - that is, elements such as topiary, massed planting, or wild gardens, for example. The first list runs up towards 1500 entries and as it obviously includes the princ- ' ipal gardens, the proportion of national importance is rather higher than for buildings - a quarter or a third of the list of gardens are Grade I. The list of gardens,at this stage, is for the advice and guidance of owners, local authorities, and others; there are no powers of control, There are, however, applications for grant to the Commission. The local authorities may offer grants to gardens under the Local Authorities (Historic Buildings) Act 1962. The Commission has no specific allocation for grants to gardens in the assessment of its grant in aid from the government, so that at the moment other grant funds are being diverted, with difficulty. Two recent applications to the Commissionfor Hestercornbe, near Taunton, and Marsh Court near Stockbridge in Hampshire, both by Lutyens and Jekyll -are of interest, Apart from the planting, both gardens are rich in terracong, paving, walls, steps, and all the elements of 'garden architecture'. Restoration at Marsh Court might cost some £80,000, of which the great majority is accounted for by building work. The Commission appears to be corning to the conclusion that it is not enthusiastic about expenditure which will involve plant maintenance, nor is it keen on other elements of repair which might be regarded as maintenance. The Commission has, therefore, distinguished ~etween 'flat' elements such as paving, 8 and 'upstanding' elements such as walls and decided to grant -aid the latter, but not the former. Marsh Court is rather more dependent on upstanding work than Hestercornbe, and the result of the applications has been no grant to Hestercornbe, and a £20,000 grant to Marsh Court as a 50% grant of eligible work assessed at £40,000. This still leaves a substantial gap to cover the cost which will need substantial help from the local authorities and the public. The owner has been heavily engaged in repairing the house for a number of years, and is unlikely to be able to contribute more than, say, 10% of the cost for something which will not necess arily add to the value of the property and could, indeed, add to his annual rnainte ance liabilities. He is not obliged to repair the gardens. There is not the same financial incentive for owners to repair gardens as there is buildings. Any grant scheme must take that into account. Merrick DentonThornpson, County Landscape Architect for Hampshire, has recently proposed the establishment of a Countryside Register and Management Scheme, wherPby owners of land would draw up proposals for its con servation and management-which would be public information -in return for financial exemptions -which would be confidential. The Treasury would give up certain Capital Transfer and Capital Gains Tax income, but also terminate Agricultural Development and Grant Schemes, and compensation payments under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. In othe~ words, the whole balance of taxes and grants would be re- arranged -it is to be hoped showing a small saving to the Treasury- in order to achieve common objectives which include conservation. Similar difficulties with country houses have recently resulted in extra grant from the government to the National Heritage Memorial Fund, to save four in particular for the nation: including Keddlestone and Calke. There is an opportunity for the HBMC to use its initiative, to bring the two lines of thought together - and to propose a cornprehensi ve re-arrange
ment of grants and taxation for the conservation of land, buildings, and the gardens. Mike Pearce LETTERS From Carole Ryan, Regional representative West Midlands Dear Editor, I refer to the letter from Royston Edge, Cheltenham, and David Hayes of Vale Royal in the January 1985 issue of 'Context', the contents of which I found quite astounding. True, the West Midlands ACO did comment at a r·egional meeting that they would like to see ACO, as a body, produce guidance leaflets on the techniques of conservation, with particular regard to the socalled modernisation of cottages, refurbishment of terraces, conversion of farm buildings, etc. This is simply because conservation officers in the region do not feel that they have the time to do so, or to disseminate the leaflets far and wide over the whole country. It is most unfortunate that this became somehow tied in with a quite separate discussion at the same meeting on the standing of individual conservation officers within various councils, the type of work they did, the different emphasis of rural and urban based officers, and the amount of influence such officers had over their committees. The resultant compression of what was in fact a lengthy set of minutes was done, I am sure, in the best interests of editorialship by the newsletter editor who was kind enough to do this for me when I was short of time. I can, however, assure Messrs. Edge and Hayes that a number of my members have considerable qualifications and experience in conservation; I myself have an MA in conservation, and over 10 years experience; but that we do not feel that this has anything whatsoever to do with the power to change things for the better within our respective councils who have differing political persuasions, and to intimate that we thought it did was 9 a gross insult. The only way a professional body will make itself felt is for the parent body to have a well -organised approach to the dissemination of information for educational purposes to the general public (note that I do not say academic information to conservation officers) and well-defined lines of communication with the local authority associations. West Midlands ACO were not discussing the need for conservation officers to read academic papers from ASCHB and suchlike, but the need for members of the public to receive welldefined guidelines on conservation, quite simply because a single conservation officer cannot get round everyone in large rural counties. Of course there is a place for informal discussion; no one as I recall has ever refuted the value of this at both regional and national levelit was what the Association was promoted for in the early days of the Crafts Skill Register when we were all engaged in "finding the best craftsman for the job". I am extremely sorry that Messrs Edge and Hayes misconstrued so dramatically comments made on a very wide-ranging spectrum of topics, which were compressed for ~he sake of brevity. I am also interested in the fact that every time they walk down the street they achieve instant recognition - it must be a very small area! For a massive area like Shropshire such recognition is not possible, neither is it always desirable. Personally I always feel a little anonymity releases me from my Council role and allows me to get behind many a front door to the secreti and mysteries of mediaeval structure which lie beyond. CONSERVATION OF WORKINGDOCK BUILDINGS - A REQUEST FOR HELP Roy Vallis, Conservation Officer for Stroud District Council in Gloucestershire, writes - "Stroud D.C. is preparing a scheme for the designation of Sharpness Docks, Gloucestershire, as a Conservation ~rea. An unhappy degree of loss has taken place al-
ready, and we are anxious to protect the docks and some adjoining areas. The docks are still commercially active, and care is required over the preservation and enhancem~nt of certain features while avoiding any threat to continued viability. In operational terms, the docks are comparatively small, but they are important from a local history aspect; and are somewhat unusual in that they are located away from any notable urban area on the south hRnk of the River Severn. I am eager to hear from any ACO member who may be able to advise me on dockland heritage, either through their own experiences or through literature, etc. All information will be gratefully received and much appreciated. Initial contacts can be made to me on Dursley 2921 ext. 65." Editor's Note: Talking of dockland, I see from 'Private Eye' of 22nd March, Nooks and Corners, that the Conservation Officer for Liverpool has "resigned in disgust" at the over-ruling by Patrick Jenkin of his Inspector's advice following a public enquiry into a proposed masssive re-development by Wimpey. Presumably this reduces by about 25% the number of people who may be able to come to Roy's assistance! PEOPLE IAN ABBOTT - FROM ACO TO A4P Formerly Conservation Officer for Kent County Council, Ian Abbott (whom County members will recall from the pre-ACO meetings at the Crafts Council) took early retirement in order to devote as much time as possible to the peace movement. He set up Architects for Peace (known as A4P for short) in order to involve architects and those in related professions in promoting positive action for peace, and is now its secretary. A4P has an impressive list of RIBA Council members and wellknown names as its sponsors and encourages constructive debate within the profession on issues concerned 10 with nuclear disarmament and alternatives to existing policies; several seminars have been held at the RIBA including last November's on 'Switching to Sanity' - alternative uses for the means of production of nuclear weapoms and military surveillance technology. The issue which sparked off the founding of the association was the staging by the RIBA of a seminar on nuclear shelters. Many RIBA members found it morally objectionable that the RIBA should have appeared to endorse the attitude that nuclear war was inevitable. Ian would be delighted to hear from any member of ACO who may be interested in joining Architects for Peace or in attending any of its meetings. These are mainly held in London, but there are some regional groups. His ~ddress is 41 St James Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent. HOLY(PRESERVATION) ORDERS? The Reverend Peter Beecham is not the only cleric with a dual qualification (he is also a planner) but he is thought to be the only one so far to have appeared on television nation-wide in the pursuit of his calling as a conservation officer; unless, of course, any of us have been appearing in disguise in double-glazing commercials to supplement our salary! He played a prominent part inthefirst of the Channel 4 series "Ours to Keep", an unusually thoughtful documentary which discussed the ethics of 'improvement' of historic buildings in more-or less original condition by eager purchasers. In this casea Devon longhouse was at risk as the owner could not afford to fund the necessary repairs.Peter managed in the course of 40 minutes to achieve not only the up-grading to Grade I of the house, but also a 100% grant which persuded the owner not to sell! It is to be hoped that not too many impoverished owners gained the impression from this programme that all conservation officers possess such powers.
FIDLER ON THE HOOF John Fidler (qv) has been awarded one of ARCUK's research awards for a report to be entitled "The architectural impact of electrical mechanical and ventilating systems on historic buildings: a search for minimal intervention". With luck , this will intervene only minimally between John and his new job at the Commission and as Publicity Officer for the ACO.... ! REGIONAL NEWS South West The South West Region meeting in Frome on March 1st was organised by Robert Ladd, of Mendip District Council, and chaired by Chris Smith of Avon County Council. Guests were Michael Green, of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, who was able to respond to a number of queries and quibbles about the workings (or otherwise) of the Commisssion; and Sophie Andreae of SAVE Britain's Heritage, who was there to gather information for a forthcoming SAVE report on towns in the south west. A morning's discussion was followed by an afternooon walk round the Trinity area of Frome. Discussion centred, as so often, on the re-survey, with some concern being expressed a½out an unexpected problem: the de-listing ot buildings which had had listed building consent for work carried out, and which, unbelievably, had in some cases also had the benefit of grant aid from the DoE - and in one case, had also won a Civic Trust Award! Chris Smith commented - wearing his listing inspector's hat -that the criterion for de-listing appeared to be that 'extensivP work' had been carried out - it was not often possible, given the limited time available,to go into the 11 planning background and ascertain if apparently over-enthusiastic restoration had been carried out with LBC. Michael Green recommended extreme'vigilance at the draft list stage, so that possible embarrassments can be sorted out. Alistair Brook suggested that there was a tendency now for listing to take account only of historic value rather than architectural and townscape value, which was undermining the achievements of the conservation movement. If current criteria were applied to St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol, it would be unlistable because it had been largely re-built in the Cl9! Following a brief communal expression of extreme disapproval of the DoE's proposals in its recent consultation papers on changes in the Planning Acts, (to hand over decision-making on demolition of Gradel! buildings to local authorities), we moved once more to the vexed question of PVC windows; or, more specifically, the question of what can be done with the Planning Committee which refuses to take any notice of a recommendation from the HBMC following notification. In this case, the buildings concerned were in Royal Crescent, Weston-super-Mare, and because they are within the Weston Conservation Area the application to change sash windows to PVC (with pivoted sashes) had been notified to DoE. However, because the listing was not Grade 11*, no referral was necessary after the decision and therefore the Commission's optnions had no real teeth. During the ensuing discussion, Alis~air Brook suggested some guidelines for use of PVC/aluminium windows in listed buildings: that LBC was always necessary; that there should be certain agreed buildings where they could never be used; and that, if we were going to give consent, we must at least try and get the details right. Royston Edge concurred, and said that there was often a reluctance to get involved in technicalities - we should be working with manufacturers more often. During the walkabout after lunch, Robert Ladd expained that the Trinity area of Cl7/Cl8 housing had been scheduled
for clearance in the early 7U's , but grass roots protests had led to a report being commissioned from consultants Moxley Jenner of Bristol. This study's recommendations had been implemented almost exactly as written; careful restoration of the houses, with some selective demolition to allow more light and rear car-parking areas, and small sections of new building in sympathetic materials. The end result was not only a revival of the area, but a complete change of heart in the local authority, now born-again conservationists prepared to invest money and staff to spread the gospel! North NOTESOF ACOMEETINGAT DURHAMCASTLE 13TH DECEMBER1984 The main event was a tour of Durham Castle conducted by Dennis Jones. This was a comprehensive tour of the building, starting in the kitchens; which still'retain much of their original character despite recent modernisation of the cooking and food preparation facilities. We proceeded via the under croft to a .samll new reading room erected by subscription from former undergraduates of the college in 1983. Then on to the Great Hall, and to the 11th century Constables Hall. Although this has been sub-divided and altered over many periods, Durham Castle is stiJl one of the most completely preserved Norman strongholds in the country. Of the many memorable sights of the visit, the Norman Chapel, the Senate and Bishops Rooms and the Norman arcading of the Constables Hall are perhaps the most memorable. Our thanks to Denis for an enjoyable and interesting visit. During discussion at the meeting followin the tour, frequency of meetings was discussed. It was agreed that bi-monthly meetings would probably lead to improved attendances, and that the format of this meeting, (that is, an afternoon with a 12 visit followed by a meeting) was the most successful. Mary Broyd invited us to visit the Lake District in 1985 and this idea was enthusiastically received. Other possible visits include Castle Eden, County Durham; Belsay, Nor thumberland; and a return visit to Cleveland. Memebers are reminded that local sub scriptions (£2 per annum) are now due for 1985. PUBLICATIONS 'TAKEN FOR GRANTED': A Celebration of Ten Years of Historic Buildings Conservation Published by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects and the Historic Buildings Council Perhaps surprisingly, Northern Ireland did not have an Historic Buildings Council until 1974. Its Chairman throughout its ten year life has been Charles Kinahan. Together with the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, the Council has published "Taken for Granted", as an illustrated gui~ to the 1000 buildings whose repair has been grant-aided over the last ten years. There are only some 6500 listed buildings in the province, and 22 conservation areas. The list re-survey has been going since 1969, with Colin Hatrick, our regional contact for ACO, and Charles Monro, succeeded by Richard Oram employed by the DoE for Northern Ireland. The 244 page book illustrates 120 representative buildings. There is also a very useful guide to repairs and maintenance. The book is published by the Northern Ireland Historic Buildings Council- but no price or address is given. Contact Colin Hatrick at 22 Ravenhill Park, Belfast, BT6 ODE, Northern Ireland, if you are interesetd in obtaining a copy.
SOMECOURSESIN THE COUNTRYSIDE.... OXFORDPOLYTECHNICRURALFORUM 13TH - 17TH MAY1985 This year's Rural Forum is divided into three parts: the wider context of rural planning, the marketing of rural transport, and rural re-generation - particularly the re-utilisation of redundant buildings . There will be visits to the former Spendlove Secondary School at Charlbury, which is now being developed as a community and enterprise centre; the Filkins craft workshop complex; and Lains Barn, to study the prospects for barn conversion for alternative uses in and around the villages of Ardington and Lockinge. The course will be held at the Dept for External Studies in central Oxford. Details from Mike Breakell (0865 64777, ext 479) or write to Carolin Tidbury at Oxford Polytechnic, Headington, Oxford OX3 OBP. INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURALHISTORY, AND MUSEUMOF ENGLISH RURALLIFE Roy Brigden writes from Reading to tell us about the Institute, and the newly-formed Historic Farm Building Group. Membership is open to all. A weekend conference and AGMis to be held from 11th to 13th October, at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, near Chichester, West Sussex. Subjects to be covered include recording~ listing, and restoration of farm buildings. On the Saturday afternoon there will be a field trip to the Petworth estate, and on Sunday afternoon a practical session at the Museum. Nonmembers of the Group will also be welcome. If anyone is interested in joining the Group, at an annual subscription of £5.00, or would like more details of the Conference, would they please contact Roy Brigden at the Institute, at Whiteknights, PO Box 229, Reading RG6 2AG. 13 ACO BUSINESS NEWS ASSOCIA1IONOF CONSERVATIONOFFICERS THE ANNUALGENERALMEETINGWILL 13/ HET~J ON SATURDAY13 APRIL IN THE CITY HALL, MARKETPLACE, NORWICH,AT 2.15 p.m. AGENDA 1 Apologies for absence 2 To confirm the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held at Oxford on Saturday 31 March 1984. 3 To approve the audited accounts. 4 Reports of Officers of the Association. 5 Appointment of Officers: a Chairman b Treasurer c Secretary d Membership Secretary e Editor of newsletter, "Context" f Regional Representatives 6 To consider any resolutions from the members. 7 Any other business. NB Any nominations or motions should be sent to the Secretary, Tony Jenkins. WELCOMETO THE FOLLOWINGNEWMEMBERS: Geoffrey Boans David Bown John Champness John Denison Richard Godwin Derek Green Philip Grover Robert Kindred Derrick Long David Lovie Norman Smith Neil Sumner Michael Talbot William Twigg Humberside C.C. Dyfed C.C. Lancashire C.C. private architect(Leeds) Tyne & Wear C.C. Wakefield D.C. Gloucester City C. P.S.A.(Bristol) Ipswich Borough C. Tyne & ~ear C.C. Humberside C.C, City of Durham private arch. (Ipswich) Delyn Borough C. John Davey Membership Secretary
'Working Together for Conservation' Thursday 11 April PM 19.30 - 23.00 hrs Friday 12 April 07. 45 - 09. 15 h rs 09.15 -09.30 hrs 09. 30 - 11. 00 hrs 11. 00 - 11. 30 hrs 11.30 - 13.00 hrs 13.00 - 14.30 hrs 14.30 - 15.30 hrs 15.30-16.00hrs 16.00 - 17.30 hrs 19.00 hrs Arrival and Registration Conference Office (open 09.00 -22.00 hours) Cash bar, buffet supper ( to 21. 30 Restaurant, Sainsbury CentrE' hours) and opportunity to visit Collection. Breakfast Refectory Introduction by Mr. Peter Rumble, CB Chief Executive of the Historic Lecture Theatre 2 Buildings and Monuments Commission Meetings: Lecture Theatre 2 Mr. Alfred Wood, Chief Planner, Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission -illustrated talk on conservation areas, followed by discussion. Coffee and biscuits Lecture Theatre 1 foyer Syndicate Groups: Arts Building Learning from disasters Redundant agricultural buildings Packages of grants Public enquiries Buildings at risk Urban renewal, including warehouses and city centre churches. Ancient monuments. Self-service lunch Ian Patterson, City Planning Officer, Bristol. Talk on 'The Receiving End -Getting Results'. Tea and biscuits Commission panel respond to questions from Syndicates Buses to Castle Reception given by Lord Mayor with buffet dinner and address by Lord Montagu 14 Refectory Lecture Theatre 2. Lecture Theatre 1 foyer Lecture Theatre 2 Norwich Castle
Friday continued 22. 30 hrs Saturday 13 April 07.45 -09.15 hrs 09. 30 hrs 14.00 hrs 14.15 -15.00 hrs 16. 30 hrs 16. 45 hours Buses from Castle Tour of floodlit City. Breakfast Buses to City Hall Refectory Conducted tours of conservation work: Section 10 programme areas: St. Benedicts, Pottergate and Magdalen Street. Section 10 programme areas: King Street, Section 4 Grant cases: The Old Barge, Churchman's House, Church of St. Lawrence, Britons Arms Coffee House. New uses for redundant or inappropriately used historic churches. Renovation of 260 listed buildings owned by the Council. Design of new buildings, shop fronts and signs in conservation areas. City's ancient monuments: city waiis, Bracondale tower, Norwich Castle. Use of redundant churches; churches facing redundancy. Lunch Bus to University for those not attending Annual General Meeting. Norwich School, The Close. Annual General Meeting of Association of Conservation Officers City Hall Speaker: Mr. Gordon Michell, and architect in private practice but who was Consultant to Civic Trust between 1972 and 1982 and who worked on Wirksworth and Eckington projects, and who has worked on all aspects of conservation work as well as new design work in conservation areas. Tea Buses to University End of meeting. 15
EDUCATIONANDEMPLOYMENTP:ROFESSIONAL TRAININGANDJOB PROSPECTSFOR CONSERVATIONOFFICERS One of the questions asked of Michael Manser and Patrick Harrison by ACO recently was what co-ordination was there between the RIBA and the RTPI when it came to the question of the education or employment prospects of conservation officers. The answer, probably, is very little. There was, even if there may not be now, a joint committee for the training of architects for conservation - COTAC. We have asked if this still functions or what it does, or could do. Anyone who actually knows anyone who has any information, please contact Mike Pearce. Any comments from members on the value of existing conservation courses, be they York IAAS, London the AA, or anything put on by SPAB or the Universities would be of interest. Is there a gap, Either in the type or price of course; or in geographical distribution, or is there any other scope for improvement? So far as employment prospects are concerned we notice, according to CIPFA -the local authority financial officers annual digest (if that's the word) of local authority budgets for Planning for this year - that there may have been a slight fall in the number of staff engaged in "environmental enhancement including conservation" after increases in previous years. As the calculation of staff numbers, by definition, includes other environmental enhancement work - and, less obviously, 2 .proportion of a department's administrative staf~ it may be that any minor variations A,e of little significance. Numbers at, say 650 for the country are fairly static, literally, as there is also little movement between jobs around the country. Both Sheffield City Council and Aylesbury Vale have had to readvertise for conservation officers, having offered the posts on S01-S02. If there is any shortage of (younger?) conservation officers, it is likely to be met either when the abolition of the Metropolitan Counties reduces the 16 number of jobs, or the Phaser listing inspectors come to the end of their contracts at the end of this year. ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION OFFICERS r ------------------------- 7 I I I I I I I I Application coNFIDENTIAL : Surname 1 First Name Qualifications Local Authority (Members) or Public Body (Associate members) or other position (Honorary members) Work Address Work Phone Home Address _____________________ ! I I -------------1 Home Phone I Preferred Address HOME/WORK ________ I for Correspondence (marked PRIVATE) : Any further information (optional) --------: eg. job title & grade 1 ---------------------' I I --------------------, I apply to become a Member/ Associate member/Honorary: 1 member of the ACO and enclose a subscription/donation of 1 £ (minimum £G)and a stamped addressed envelope. I I (signed) -----------------' I endorse this application to join the ACO. I I I I (signed) _________________ : Cheques should be made payable to the Association ofl Conservation Officers : I I - ------ ------------------ -- -- -l
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