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“Mount Clare: What protection plan was deemed insufficient?”

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Summary

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The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed several planning applications concerning heritage sites and buildings. The committee provided feedback and raised concerns about the potential impacts of proposed developments on the historical and architectural significance of the areas involved.

  1. Alton Activity Centre and Down to Fields: The committee unanimously supported the proposed improvements, appreciating the inclusive design and enhancements to play areas. The design was seen as sensitive to the heritage setting, with no objections raised about its impact on the surrounding conservation area.

  2. 198-200 Balham High Road: The proposal to add additional floors to an existing building faced criticism for potentially harming the setting of the adjacent Grade II listed Balham Underground Station. The committee was divided, with some members arguing that the development could overshadow the historic station, while others suggested that increased density might be appropriate for the area. The committee recommended that if approved, the development should include detailed conditions to ensure architectural quality.

  3. 61-63 Wandsworth High Street: The committee discussed a proposal to add a new floor to a building in a conservation area. Concerns were raised about the design of the side elevation and its impact on the adjacent Grade II listed Quaker Meeting House. The committee suggested architectural adjustments to ensure the extension is more in keeping with the existing structure.

  4. Mount Clare Campus: The committee expressed significant concerns about a proposal for temporary housing on a site containing Grade I and II* listed buildings. Members were worried about the lack of a clear plan to maintain and protect these heritage assets during the proposed temporary use. The committee stressed the need for a robust strategy to ensure the preservation of the site's historical value.

Surprisingly, the meeting also touched on the ongoing issues with heritage buildings at risk, such as St. Mark's School and the White Lion, indicating ongoing preservation challenges within the borough. The Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee recently discussed several key topics, focusing on the preservation and utilization of heritage sites and buildings within the borough.

One significant topic was the proposed temporary change of use for the Mount Clare campus in Roehampton. The site includes the Grade I listed Mount Clare and the Grade II* listed temple. The proposal involves using existing student accommodation buildings for temporary housing, with no physical changes to the exteriors. Concerns were raised about the lack of a clear plan for the maintenance and protection of the listed buildings, particularly given their historical importance and current state of neglect.

Another major discussion centered on the application for additional stories and conversion of existing floors at 61-63 Wandsworth High Street. The committee expressed concerns about the design and impact of the proposed third-floor extension on the Grade II listed Quaker Meeting House next door. Suggestions were made to improve the design by making the roof mansard and ensuring the side elevation is treated as a party wall.

The committee also revisited the applications related to the Francis Barber Pupil Referral Unit on Franciscan Road. Although initially there were reservations about the design and impact on the local area, the Planning Applications Committee eventually approved the revised proposals, which included changes to reduce the visual impact and better integrate with the surrounding environment.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within Wandsworth respects and preserves the borough's rich heritage, while also accommodating necessary improvements and changes.

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Meeting Documents

Agenda

Agenda frontsheet 07th-May-2024 19.00 Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee
Supplementary Agenda to the Applications Paper 07th-May-2024 19.00 Conservation and Heritage Advis

Reports Pack

Public reports pack 07th-May-2024 19.00 Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee

Additional Documents

Draft Minutes FINAL
24-137 Applications
24-138 Decisions - May 2024
24-137 Supplementary Applications