ELSECAR CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL BARNSLEY METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL DOCUMENT A: QUALITY ASSESSMENT 21 OCTOBER 2021
Elsecar Conservation Area Appraisal
Thank you for inviting Purcell to provide a fee proposal for the Conservation Area Appraisal (CAA) of Elsecar. Having worked from our Leeds and York offices for a number of years, we are familiar with Elsecar and have undertaken a number of projects in the area. We are currently undertaking work on the Elsecar Heritage Centre masterplan and have a strong working knowledge of the local area as well as our work repairing and improving access to the internationally significant Newcomen beam engine, the only example in the world surviving in its original location and a scheduled ancient monument. Elsecar’s development can be seen as a microcosm of the whole Industrial Revolution in Britain and the survival of its industrial assets and worker’s cottages make it an excellent example of an industrial landscape. Elsecar remains an exemplar of a industrial town which remains largely intact. However, from our local experience we note several issues that would warrant further investigation within the conservation area appraisal. In general there is a need for wider interpretation of the industrial landscape around the conservation area and its international importance. A key issue is also the replacement of traditional glazing with upvc windows which adversely affects the character of the conservation area. There is also a need for wider understanding of material choices in general, both in the use of local stone and boundary treatments but also in the use of inappropriate materials such as cement mortar. Parking can be difficult within the town as most residential properties do not have driveways or garages and roads are often narrow and not made for modern vehicular traffic. Cars can also visually clutter views.
02 | Document A: Elsecar Conservation Area Appraisal
Further issues and opportunities for enhancement will be revealed throughout the study and as part of the internal consultation process. We would support your objectives for Elsecar by providing an accessible evidence base and policy framework from which the council, developers, owners and residents can make appropriate decisions for the informed management of change. We have also allowed for a review of the boundaries to inform the potential expansion of the area. Our proposal follows the four stages set out in Historic England’s Conservation Area Appraisal, Designation and Management Advice Note 1 (2019): • • • •
Appraise Designate Manage Review
METHODOLOGY 1. PROJECT INITIATION Aims and Outputs • Understand project background • Discuss formats, graphics and style • Project inception meeting • Creation of the ‘road-map’ to completion We will work with the project team to fully define the brief, understand the background to the project and establishing clear and collaborative lines of communication. We will review existing information and talk to key project partners to understand key pressures, concerns and intentions. An outline project plan and updated programme with milestones will then be presented to the client for review, comment and sign off to proceed.
2. INFORMATION GATHERING Aims and Outputs • Field survey and familiarisation • Boundary review • Audit of heritage assets • Identification of character • Primary historic research • Desk-based historic research • Survey to capture cultural and communal value During this stage we will build a sound understanding of the conservation area and its key characteristics. This will include primary and secondary historic research to gather the background information that is required to fully understand the conservation area. The on-site surveys will be the primary source of information for the character analysis, providing the foundation for assessment of component elements and highlighting the potential for amendments to boundaries. We will build on our discussions with the project team regarding issues and opportunities through our own on-site observations. Our site survey of the conservation area will be recorded on survey sheets and photographically to capture key information about each area, street or specific buildings. During this data gathering stage we will start considering the current issues and inherit potential and opportunities of the site. We will also survey the boundaries and immediate surroundings of the conservation area including those sites identified within the brief for potential inclusion.
3. PREPARING THE APPRAISAL
4. INTERNAL CONSULTATION
Aims and Outputs • First draft of the Conservation Area Appraisal including historic development, layered mapping and statement of significance • Thematic descriptions including cultural value, new uses, green spaces, waterways, public realm, regeneration, key views, routes and circulation. • Articulation of vulnerabilities and issues, opportunities and recommendations • Policies and action plan (draft) We will produce an initial draft of the CAA that describes its character and appearance, its vulnerabilities and opportunities and the policies or recommendations needed to sustain it. The statement of significance will be of particular importance as this sets out Elsecar’s special architectural and historic interest and why it is worthy of designation. The management policies will offer strategic guidance to the council, owners and developers seeking to make changes within the conservation areas. Mapping will be produced for all the layers required to understand the conservation area. We will use layered graphics to map and record the site allowing the user to turn on and off features as required, making the document accessible, user friendly and easy to navigate.
Aims and Outputs • Field survey validation and gaps in knowledge • Final edits • Quality assurance and review We will carry out a final site visit to the conservation area once the narratives and maps have been drafted to validate our findings and to ensure any gaps in understanding can be filled. Following our own internal quality assurance process, we will issue a draft of the CAA initially to the Council to review to a fixed programme. We will set a date for receipt of written comments and incorporate changes into a final draft. 5. PUBLIC CONSULTATION Aims and Outputs • Review feedback on the CAA undertaken by others • Engage with statutory bodies and key stakeholders as required (up to 4 meeting) It is understood that community consultation will be held by others and the results will be provided for inclusion within the main report. We have allowed for four meetings with key stakeholders. These include the relevant planning officer and conservation officer from Burnley Borough Council, the HAZ officer, the Elsecar Development manager and Historic England.
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6. COMPLETION OF THE CAA Aims and Outputs • Amendments • Final internal review and sign off • Submission to council Following the compilation and analysis of the responses gathered and agreement on which should be accepted by the Council, we will further support you by making changes to the reports prior to submission of the final drafts. We will work closely with you to ensure that the final documents are visually appealing, easy to navigate, accessible and understandable. Innovative formatting We are currently working on a High Street Heritage Action Zone that is part of the Historic England pilot study for ‘Smart’ CAAs and are therefore familiar with the requirement to make these public documents accessible, useable and visually appealing.
04 | Document A: Elsecar Conservation Area Appraisal
Our well-researched and informative text will be accompanied by carefully designed plans and diagrams, historic maps and high-quality photographs. We avoid jargon and take into account needs of the visually impaired, for example, colour blindness. To ensure quality and accuracy, we will carry out a full edit of the final draft to ensure the report has a consistency of voice, tone and style. To explain our suggested approach for Elsecar CAA, we have converted this tender into an online ‘flip-book’ which can be accessed from all device types without specialist software as an example of some of the possible approaches to creating visually appealing documents. We will work with you to decide on the most appropriate format for your needs. We have included some further examples of our work below: • •
EXAMPLE CAA: Blakeney, North Norfolk Swindon Railway Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
PROGRAMME The project brief states that the Conservation Area Appraisal shall be completed before the end of February 2022. Assuming that the project starts in November 2021 we are confident that we can meet this programme. We will agree a final programme with you immediately following appointment, based on the indicative timetable set out below. Beverley Kerr will be the project lead and primary point of contact for the project and will draw on support from the wider team including: Mark Clifford for the internal review process; ongoing support from Edward Cartwright as the project runner; document production from the in-house graphics team. STAGE
PROGRAMME
Project initiation and start up meeting, first consultation meeting
early November 2021
Information gathering inc. site surveys November – December 2021 Preparing the appraisal
December 2021
First draft of part one issued for comment (up to significance), consultation with stakeholders following part one issue
Mid-January 2022
Preparation of part two (the management plan)
December 2021– January 2022
Consultation with stakeholders repart two management plan
January 2022
Amendments following feedback and comments, final document production
January – February 2022
Final issue
February 2022
Team and Experience
Our proposed team of conservation-accredited heritage consultants has been specifically selected for their local experience in preparing CAAs, assessing the character and value of heritage assets and providing management recommendations to support the informed management of change at Elsecar. Both myself and Mark are IHBC accredited and are experienced in delivering high quality conservation area appraisals for a variety of clients unlocking the potential of complex sites. We have a good working knowledge of the local area and the project will primarily be resourced from our York office where I am based. The CAA will also benefit from a wealth of relevant skills, knowledge and experience within the wider practice, including architects who have worked on projects in the area, such as at Elsecar Heritage Centre. We hope the above information is of interest to you, and we look forward to working with you to develop the potential of the exceptionally significant sites at Elsecar. Yours sincerely
Bev Kerr Heritage Consultant
CLIENT Barnsley Council
MARK CLIFFORD Senior Heritage Consultant MSc, MA, BArch, IHBC Role: quality
assurance and review 1 Day
BEV KERR
PURCELL GRAPHICS TEAM Heritage Consultant
MA Archaeology, MA Building Archaeology, Mst. Building History ACIfA, IHBC Role: project lead 16.25 Days
Role: document production
3 Days
ED CARTWRIGHT Research Assistant
On behalf of Purcell®
BA(Hons), MSt Building History
E. beverley.kerr@purcelluk.com T: 07786 546620
3 Days
Role: project runner and support
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BEV KERR HERITAGE CONSULTANT MA (Cantab) Archaeology MA Building Archaeology Mst. (Cantab) Building History ACIfA PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Institute for Historic Buildings Conservation (IHBC) Vernacular Architecture Group - Winter Conference Secretary (VAG) Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) Associate of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (ACIfA) Committee member of the Buildings Archaeology Group (BAG)
Bev studied archaeology at the University of Cambridge and went on to work as a Conservation Officer for the Council for British Archaeology (CBA). During her time there, she worked with local authorities and owners advising on sensitive change to both archaeological and built heritage assets. Bev has knowledge and experience of a wide variety of building types from medieval castles to World War Two military installations, and in the writing many types of heritage reports including HIAs, CMPs, Statements of Significance and Archaeological DBAs.
KEY PROJECTS Civic Quarter Masterplan, Old Trafford Following our heritage consultancy work on a number of sites in Old Trafford, Purcell were invited to join partners in the production of the Civic Masterplan for Old Trafford. Role: Bev was the lead consultant from Purcell providing heritage advice, researching the history of the area and identifying areas of heritage sensitivity, potential conservation areas and buildings for the local list. Client: Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council Rhyl Conservation Area Appraisal and Masterplan Rhyl is a seaside town in North Wales whose town centre conservation area has undergone significant challenges since the economic downturn including low property ownership, absentee landlords and low financial investment. Denby County Council commissioned Purcell to review and update the Conservation Area Appraisal and draft a Management Plan. Role: Bev was lead consultant, reviewed the existing properties, character areas and boundaries and made recommendations to assist the Council in their regeneration plans to ensure a bright and vibrant future for Rhyl. Client: Denbighshire County Council
EXPERTISE • • • • • •
Excellent knowledge of British Architectural History Expert on the analysis, recording and interpretation of historic buildings Holistic approach to the historic environment with experience of assessing heritage both above and below ground. Thorough approach to archival and desk-based research Knowledge of the planning system Excellent report writing skills
Former Kellogg’s Building, Old Trafford
Former Kellogg’s Building, Old Trafford
Rhyl Conservation Area Appraisal and Masterplan
Southend-on-Sea, Essex A major project to update Southend Borough Council’s 14 CAAs, reviewing each of their characteristics and providing recommendations and guidance for their future conservation and care. The project involves gaining an extensive knowledge of the development and architecture of town centre conservation areas, including review of CA boundaries, locally listed buildings, historic shop fronts and guidance. Role: Archaeological and GIS lead Client: Southend Borough Council Southend-on-Sea, Essex
06 | Document A: Elsecar Conservation Area Appraisal
MARK CLIFFORD SENIOR HERITAGE CONSULTANT MA Heritage Management, BSc (Hons) Heritage Conservation PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation Member of Manchester City Council Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas Panel
Mark is experienced in undertaking both on site and archive research which fully informs the detailed understanding of the significance of a building or landscape. Through this understanding of significance the potential impacts of a proposal can be fully understood, any harm mitigated and the enhancement of the historic assets can be encouraged through a conservation led approach. Mark has undertaken conservation management planning for a variety of sites and through this understanding of not just the significance of a place but also its threats, issues and opportunities it has allowed for both the short and long term management of historic places and landscapes. EXPERTISE • • • •
Production and implementation of conservation plans Championing and promoting the importance of a heritage-led approach to conservation and change. Managing large scale heritage projects from design through to implementation on site. Providing professional advice, advising on conservation best practice and liaising with statutory stakeholders.
KEY PROJECTS Stockton and Darlington Heritage Action Zone Mark produced the assessment of significance and research into the Locomotion no.1, a former public house in Heighington. It sits on the Stockton & Darlington railway line within the Heritage Action Zone and is one of the earliest surviving proto-stations in the UK. He worked within the Stockton and Darlington HAZ on a recording exercise for Historic England on the Darlington Goods Shed and Carriage Works buildings. Fleetwood Heritage Action Zone Following appointment in early 2021, Mark has been supporting the team on the High Street Heritage Action Zone, including the necessary methodologies for the separate projects forming part of the wider HSHAZ.
Darlington Goods Shed
Rochdale Heritage Action Zone Mark completed archival research for the project and the associated Heritage Statement. This included a timeline and photographic evidence of the properties to enable the proposals to be developed with owners. Rudyard Lake Conservation Area Appraisal, Staffordshire Rudyard Lake is an early man-made reservoir built to feed the canal network in 1797–98. Because of the accessibility of the nearby railway station it became popular for tourists during the 19th century who built a number of ornate boathouses on the lake. The site is predominantly owned by the Canal & River Trust and following an upsurge in tourism in recent years Staffordshire Moorlands District Council designated the site as a conservation area in 2016. Role: Mark produced a conservation area appraisal on the assets under the ownership of the Canal and River Trust at the start of this process. Client: Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
Fleetwood, Lancashire
Rudyard Lake Conservation Area Appraisal | 07
TRAFFORD CONSERVATION AREAS APPRAISALS AND MANAGEMENT PLANS Location Trafford Borough, Greater Manchester Client Trafford Council Sector Public Expertise Heritage Consultancy Building Period Medieval to 21st Century Listing Status Conservation Area Client Trafford Council Client contact: Lesley Franklin Trafford Town Hall Talbot Road Stretford M32 0TH 0161 912 4770 lesley.franklin@trafford.gov.uk SITE DESCRIPTION Trafford Borough has over 20 Conservation Areas, designated for the special interest of their buildings, history, parks and layout. These range from affluent Edwardian residential areas such as Hale, to medieval village cores such as Flixton. The importance of the character and development of Trafford is recognised in their designations; however many of these Conservation Areas are on Historic England’s Register of Conservation Areas at Risk and will deteriorate further without understanding of what could be lost and how they should be managed in the future.
SPECIALIST EXPERTISE AND OUTCOMES Purcell was commissioned to complete 12 Conservation Area Appraisals, which identify the special interest of the Conservation Areas, areas of enhancement and elements that detract from character and appearance. The reports also gave suggestions for boundary revisions and the requirement for Article 4 directions. Leading on from this, Purcell produced Conservation Area Management Plans for all 21 areas, offering design guidance and conservation policies to residents and professionals, ensuring that the Conservation Areas are managed in the best possible way. The Managements Plans underwent a period of public consultation following production of draft documents, which have now all been adopted as Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs).
Market Hall within the Old Market Place Conservation Area
The methodology was produced in accordance with Historic England guidance, with the documents setting out actions to maintain and enhance the special character of the area. These are now being used to support the positive and active maintenance of the Conservation Areas through the development control process. Purcell continue to work with Trafford Council, giving planning and development advice on new applications, and providing expertise on public realm changes within the Conservation Areas. This has led to work with developers on schemes to enhance the borough, particularly around the Town Hall.
Workers cottage within the Sandiway Conservation Area
The Empress Conservation Area 08 | Document A: Elsecar Conservation Area Appraisal
RHYL, NORTH WALES CONSERVATION AREA REVIEW Location Rhyl, North Wales Client Denbighshire County Council Sector Cultural, Public Expertise Heritage Consultancy Client Denbighshire County Council Client contact: Gareth Roberts Built Environment Manager County Hall Wynnstay Road Ruthin LL15 1YN 01824 706000 gareth.roberts@denbighshire.gov.uk 01824 706717 SITE DESCRIPTION Rhyl is a seaside town in North Wales, owing much of its historic environment to its growth as a popular Victorian seaside resort and population expansion after the Second Wold War. The down-turn in the tourist industry and economic decline has bought significant challenges for the town; low property ownership, absentee landlords and low financial investment have had a detrimental impact on the quality of Rhyl’s townscape and the condition of its historic buildings.
SPECIALIST EXPERTISE AND OUTCOMES Denbighshire County Council are actively working towards the regeneration of Rhyl and approached Purcell to update the Conservation Area Appraisal and review the existing boundary. Purcell undertook an appraisal of the existing area along with a further two sites assessing their potential special interest. The completed report made a series of recommendations and included a number of modifications to the boundary and suggestions where Article 4 directions might provide stronger protection for unlisted buildings. Following the completion of our work the boundary has since been extended based on our recommendation.
Rhyl’s Interchange
Our work also included a Management Plan for the Conservation Area which will assist the Council in their regeneration plans and will ensure a bright and vibrant future for the town that respects and enhances the character and appearance of Rhyl. As well as undertaking a review of the conservation area appraisal for Rhyl, Purcell have since produced a design guide to inform works to the public realm across the town and contributed towards the wider masterplan. Using historical precedents from the 19th century seaside town and wider best practice, the guide presented materials and designs for paving; street furniture; and trees and planting. This allowed for cohesion and greater unity from the public realm that our conservation area appraisal noted as being inconsistent and the guidance acts as an easily accessible reference point for developers for the future of the town’s masterplan.
The lack of financial investment in some historic buildings is a problem in the Conservation Area
St Thomas’ Church | 09
ELSECAR HERITAGE CENTRE MASTERPLANNING Location Elsecar, Barnsley, South Yorkshire Client Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Sector Cultural Expertise Conservation, Design, Masterplanning, Heritage Consultancy, Regeneration, Sustainability Funding NLHF Building Period Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, 20th & 21st Century Listing Status Conservation Area, Grade I Listed, Grade II Listed, Grade II* Listed, Locally Listed, Registered Park & Gardens, Scheduled Ancient Monument
DESIGN SOLUTION The masterplan seeks to establish a scheme of wide-reaching improvements with the aim of increasing the area’s establishment as a major heritage attraction and international visitor destination. Elsecar will become somewhere that inspires, that makes sense of places and people, that drives business growth and that creates an exciting new future.
Elsecar Heritage Centre
BRIEF Elsecar is a village that boasts an extensive critical mass of heritage assets and historic sites. It is of international importance but is almost unknown. Many of the buildings are in danger of being lost, whether physically through deterioration, or intellectually through isolation and fragmentation of the wider whole. Purcell was engaged to carry out a masterplan for the site and its surroundings, and to form a vision and re-integration of the site into a compelling visitor destination.
One of the former colliery buildings
CHALLENGES Elsecar Heritage Centre comprises buildings of various periods, from C18 ironworks to C20 coal board interventions. The site also encompasses the adjacent parks, reservoir, canal and heritage railway as well as its connections to the wider village, requiring a bespoke masterplan approach to unite these former isolated segments into a legible whole.
Masterplan sketch of the site 10 | Document A: Elsecar Conservation Area Appraisal
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