The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states: Heritage significance derives not only from a building’s physical presence, but also from its setting. The NPPF definition further states that in the planning context heritage interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic, or historic. Planning & Design Practice regularly write Statements of Heritage Significance and it is perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the application stage for our clients as it can reveal some hidden gems.
One such example recently was for our clients Oakenstone, with Belmont House a 19th Century Villa in Matlock Bath.
Belmont House is positioned in the conservation area known as Temple which is notable for its steep paths and stone retaining walls. It is part of a group of detached villas built below the Heights of Abraham and on the Tithe Map of 1847 Belmont House named collectively as ‘Belle Vue’. They are mentioned in W. Adams book of 1840 which described the group Belle Vue as private lodging houses ‘on a sweet terrace with a fine view of the Bath belonging to J. Rawlinson, esq.’ We researched James Rawlinson and discovered that he was a notable portrait artist who was a contemporary of Joseph Wright of Derby (even purchasing brushes for him when he went to London). His most famous portrait was of Erasmus Darwin who was a physician and one of the founding members of the Lunar society and a key thinker of the Midlands Enlightenment, he was also a natural philosopher, physiologist, slave-trade abolitionist, inventor, and poet and of course Charles Darwins grandfather.
We also discovered that James was the son of George Rawlinson (1734-1823) who was an architect from Derby who was ‘notably Arkwright’s architect of choice’. Historian Maxwell Craven attributes George Rawlinson to Rock House, Sir Richard Arkwright’s gentleman’s residence. He also states that he was responsible for the facade of the Greyhound Hotel in Cromford along with Alderwasley Hall and Mellor Mill in Manchester. George Rawlinson is included in Howard Colvin’s Dictionary of British Architects. He built ‘Belle Vue’ his own Villa first in 1800 and later his family built in its grounds Montpellier House (Hillside) sometime between 1833 and 1840 and Belmont which is dated 1847.
To discover research like the above it is important to research backwards in time. This ensures that all the known details are from recent years, meaning that any changes of street name or house name can be easily tracked. In preparing heritage assessments it is important that all the relevant information is sourced and referenced. Examples of sources we consulted for Belmont House was, The Historic Environment Record (HER Record), Derbyshire mapping portal for the Ordnance Survey Maps, and because the building is Grade II listed, we looked at the Historic England Listing. Also useful was the Derbyshire Dales Matlock Bath Conservation Area Appraisal. The assessment of the building in its historic context was informed by various publications including those published by the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Education Trust and other relevant historic publications. We also used old photographs and illustrations to pinpoint any original details we may have missed.
Not all properties are as easy to research as Belmont House, many houses do not have notable occupants that have left documentation in the public record. For these properties we need to look at title deeds, electoral registers, trade directories and censuses to build up an accurate assessment of significance. By providing the facts as we find them, we can help smooth the planning process because we have been able to reveal what is heritage significant about a property and what is not. Thus, avoiding or minimising any conflict between the buildings heritage conservation and any aspect of the planning proposal.
Thinking of buying a listed building or a home in a Conservation Area? For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, or for more information on the heritage services we offer including Statements of Heritage Significance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can help.
