PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey - assessment of Nos. 1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas,
La Route de Beaumont, St Peter
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is for the Minister to consider adding Nos.1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas to the Historic Buildings Register, having regard to a key objective of the Island Plan 2002 to protect and promote Jersey’s built, cultural and archaeological heritage.
Background
This report has been prepared by the Jersey Heritage Trust as part of its responsibility under a Service Level Agreement to provide reports and recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Environment on the registration of buildings and sites. It incorporates the views of the Jersey Heritage Advisory Panel (JHAP) - a group established to provide independent, expert advice on matters relating to the protection of buildings and sites of cultural interest.
In November 2005, an officer of the Planning and Environment Department requested that JHAP assess the architectural and historic interests of Nos.1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas, a pair of late nineteenth century villas.
Helmsdale Villas were not included in the 1992 Historic Buildings Register and were not added to the Register by the Jersey Building Heritage Sub-Committee during its review of registered buildings in St Peter in 2002.
Discussion
JHAP carried out an external evaluation of the properties during a site visit on 9 January 2006. Members agreed that the nineteenth century villas retain their historic form and detail and display clear evidence of architectural expression and good quality in composition and form, with interesting features such as canted bay windows and arched doorways with decorative mouldings. As such the villas make a significant and positive contribution to the scenic value of Beaumont and to the architectural and historical character and appearance of Jersey. The Panel concluded that Nos.1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas merit inclusion on the Register as Buildings of Local Interest.
Recommendation
Nos.1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas should be added to the Historic Buildings Register as Buildings of Local Interest.
Reason(s) for Decision
Nos.1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas satisfy the published criteria for registration as Buildings of Local Interest.
The registration of Nos.1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas is in accordance with Interim Policy HB1 which states ‘Historic buildings which contribute positively to the distinctive character or appearance of Jersey’s built-up areas or countryside, particularly where they are of ‘group value’, will be identified and included in the Register of Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey.’
Action Required
Amend the Historic Buildings Register to include Nos.1 & 2 Helmsdale Villas
Issue a notification letter to the owner
Notify Development Control - Rural Section of decision
Written by: | Roger Hills Curator of Historic Buildings - Jersey Heritage Trust |
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Approved by: | Fiona Smith – Historic Buildings Officer |
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Endorsed by: | Kevin Pilley – Assistant Director |
Attachments:
Location plan
Historic building survey form
Photographs
22 February 2006