The long gestation of this scheme has contributed to a
tidier and more attractive development and the society welcomes this.
The reduction in the height and density of the buildings at the
site entrance is felt to be an improvement. The pair of houses
introduced to the east of the entrance called "Gatehouse" are not very
happy and, being in so prominent a position need to be improved.
The society regrets the loss of two of the principal buildings
comprising the designated conservation area, namely the Hall and
Storrington House. It does however recognise the constraints that have
caused this, and the possible benefits to the satisfactory development
of the site as a whole, both in terms of spatial gain and an increase
in salvageable building materials for the restoration of the retained
buildings.
However it notes with dismay that, having repeatedly pressed the
applicant, without success, for sight of a proper structural
report upon the condition of the damaged conservation area buildings,
the present submitted report on Storrington House refers specifically
to such a 'relatively detailed' survey by the Andrews Partnership
having been in existence since July 2006.
The society is very concerned at the extent of demolition
proposed within the retained buildings, and asks that the council has
its own engineers agree a tightly framed programme that will ensure the
buildings do not collapse. The applicants have emphasized the poor
condition of these buildings and it is clear that great care will have
to be taken to maintain their integrity. There can be little point in
arriving at a situation where a complete rebuilding becomes necessary.
The survey drawings produced of the existing buildings are an
inadequate record. In view of this the society asks that full and
accurate drawings of the conservation area structures, accompanied
by related photographic records, be completed before any further
demolition or damage takes place.
The society is pleased that many of the more significant trees
are to remain, and trusts that the measures proposed for their
protection will be effectively monitored.
