Casework

We strongly objected to several key aspects of a major re-ordering scheme for this medieval church, notably raising and covering the beautiful historic floor to install underfloor heating and create level access. We supported the Victorian Society in their objection to the proposed removal of all the high-quality pews and provided advice on the proposals for a servery and WC and works to the vestry and tower. We recently received a simplified scheme, which retains the existing historic floor and all but two of the historic pews.

This ‘at risk’ neglected building served as a public house as far back as the 18th century. The building's listing at Grade II describes it as 16th or 17th century. However internally there is evidence of much earlier origins, indicating that the front section of this house may be a medieval hall house, a rare surviving example in the area. We have submitted an application to Historic England that the listing be upgraded to Grade II*.

This Grade II listed water mill on the River Test was devastated by fire in 2018. A significant part of the mill house was saved but most of the mill and barn were destroyed, and the turbine was badly damaged. Given the amount of evidence available showing the complex before the fire, the decision was made to fully repair the mill house on a like-for-like basis.  We commented on detailed plans for its repair and were delighted that traditional techniques and materials would be used and that a team of highly skilled craftspeople have been involved.

This house has lain empty for several years but its new owner contacted the SPAB to ask for guidance on proposed repairs. There was already a listed building application for works with the local authority, and these include an extension to accommodate a new kitchen and bathroom. We are supportive of this in principle as the installation of new services can be very invasive when inserted into delicate historic fabric. However, connecting the extension to the main house whilst minimising the loss of historic fabric will be challenging.

The Royal Clarence Hotel is a grade II listed complex of buildings in Cathedral Yard, Exeter which suffered catastrophic damage after a fire in 2016. Regrettably, the proposals fore rebuilding would result in an uncomfortable mix of a restored Georgian building to the front and a collection of unremarkable and homogeneous contemporary secondary elevations elsewhere. We wrote to the Council urging that they strive for excellence in design and advised that they must seek details regarding the treatment of the medieval fabric in The Wellhouse.

The Romping Donkey is a grade II former public house in Cheshire. The building is in a poor and vulnerable condition with no use at present, however, a recent submission of planning and listed building consent applications suggest there may be fresh hope on the horizon. The proposals sought to convert the former public house to a dwelling. Unfortunately, we did not feel able to support the applications as the proposals did not appear to address crucial structural issues where members of the timber frame had previously been truncated or were missing completely.