Wednesday 15 March 2017

Judicial Review & The Setting of Kedleston Hall

In December 2016 local pressure group Kedleston Voice were granted permission for a Judicial Review in the High Court following Planning Inspector John Gray's assessment of the setting of Kedleston Hall and his decision to grant planning permission for 400 houses at Kedleston Road, Allestree.

Acknowledged issues of wide public importance could affect our future assessments and interpretation of the setting of heritage assets and has the potential to become important case law related to 'setting'.

The case is due to be heard on 24th and 25th May 2017 in the High Court.   Historic England will attend as an interested party.  Mel Morris acted as expert witness at the Planning Inquiry in 2016 for Amber Valley Borough Council on heritage matters and the setting of heritage assets.

Greenbank Hall wins Chester Civic Trust Award

The refurbishment of Greenbank Hall in Handbridge, Chester has been awarded a Civic Trust Award by Chester Civic Trust in the 2017 list. Mel Morris Conservation acted as conservation consultant to the project, preparing a detailed analysis of the development of the building and its setting, which informed its repair, and a Conservation Management Plan in 2015. Judges were particularly impressed with the houses built on the site, designed by Owen Ellis Architects, which were said to be 'excellent examples' of modern high quality design and construction.  A sensitive solution to providing new development within the setting of a major Georgian mansion.