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.
