|
DETAIL
We understand that interest
has been shown in developing this site and mention made of
demolishing the main house.
We have discussed this at our committee meeting and I have been
asked to write to you to express our views on the importance of
this site.
We are strongly opposed to any form of demolition on this site.
The building is unique in Baldock and is an important link to
the town's Edwardian period, there being few buildings of this
era remaining. The scale, proportions and setting of this
building are strongly Edwardian and this unique character must
be retained. It has important links to the town's development
through the Sale family and therefore has historical importance
as well.
The building is on the NHDC Register of importance, extract
below, so the council must share our view about the importance
of this building.
We are very concerned that if this building is allowed to be
demolished, it will again undermine the "Register of Buildings
of Local Importance in Baldock" and render every building on the
list at risk. We still cannot understand how the council have
allowed New Farm to be demolished.
We would consider any sympathetic conversion on a case by case
basis, but we would emphasise "sympathetic" as the visual
impact, scale, proportions and setting of the building must not
be diminished in any way. Also, we would consider other
sympathetic developments on the site, again on a case by case
basis, but would expect any additional development to reflect
strongly the main features of the existing building stock in
terms of scale, proportion, setting and design, including
selection of suitable materials and finishes.
Should you wish to discus our view at any time, please let me
know.
Kind regards,
Chairman
Baldock Society
EXTRACT FROM "REGISTER OF BUILDINGS OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE IN
BALDOCK (17th June 2003)"
"14. Hillcrest, (Rentokill House) London Road.
A large Edwardian brick house with large plain clay tile hipped
roof and prominent chimneys. Symmetrical in design with a mix of
casement and sash windows with small panes. Built for the Sale
family, who were important local landowners and farmers within
Baldock.
Reasons for Inclusion: Local architectural interest: Special
architectural design and decoration."
|
